WILMINGTON, Del. – WILMINGTON, Del. – Pace University Men's Soccer opened the 2026 season with a 3-1 road victory over Goldey-Beacom College Friday afternoon at Nancy Churchman Sawin Field. The Setters overcame an early deficit with three unanswered goals to begin the year at 1-0.
Goldey-Beacom struck first in the 16th minute to put the Setters behind, 1-0. The Blue and Gold answered before the break when senior captain Daniel Santos converted a penalty kick at 31:36, recording his first goal of the season and sending the contest into halftime even at 1-1.
The Setters wasted little time taking control after the break. Alexander Dutra put a shot on goal less than two minutes into the second half before Alex Squillacioti broke the tie at 48:33. Niall Rodgers provided the assist on Squillacioti's first goal of the season to move the Blue and Gold ahead, 2-1.
Goldey-Beacom had an immediate opportunity to answer after being awarded a penalty kick in the 51st minute, but Joe Zweben came up with a crucial save to preserve the one-goal advantage. The stop was one of two saves for Zweben across the full 90 minutes.
The Blue and Gold added some breathing room in the 66th minute. Joshua Zapata found the back of the net at 65:29 for his first goal of the year, with Rodgers picking up his second assist of the afternoon to extend the lead to 3-1.
Pace continued to create opportunities down the stretch and finished with a 14-7 advantage in shots, including a 9-2 margin in the second half. Nine of the Setters' 14 attempts were on target, while the defense held Goldey-Beacom to three shots on goal for the contest.
Santos, Squillacioti and Zapata each recorded their first goals of the season, while Rodgers supplied a pair of assists. Zweben earned his first victory of the campaign in goal as the Setters completed the comeback to secure a season-opening win.
The Setters return to Pleasantville for their 2026 home opener on Sunday, Aug. 30, welcoming Daemen University to Northwell Stadium at 12:00 p.m.
