PHILADELPHIA, PA – Ali Hasanein broke a scoreless tie in the 75th minute before
Joe Zweben turned away a late penalty kick as Pace University Men's Soccer secured a 1-0 victory over Jefferson Saturday afternoon at Ravenhill Field. The Setters improved to 3-0-2 and remained unbeaten through their first five matches.
The opening 45 minutes featured opportunities on both ends, but neither side found the breakthrough. Zweben made three first-half saves to keep Jefferson off the board, while
Daniel Santos put Pace's best attempt on target in the 20th minute. The Setters entered halftime scoreless after
Peter Magnuson III sent the final attempt of the half over the crossbar.
Pace began to apply more pressure after the break, earning three corner kicks over the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
Acland Zhang forced a save in the 64th minute before the Setters finally found their opening.
At 74:52,
Ervin Radoncic helped create the decisive moment, setting up Hasanein for his first goal of the season and a 1-0 Pace advantage.
The Setters still needed one final stand to secure the victory. Jefferson hit the crossbar in the 84th minute and was awarded a penalty kick at 86:41, but Zweben came up with the save to preserve the lead and finish off the shutout.
Zweben finished with four saves for his second shutout of the season. Santos led the Pace attack with four shots, while Hasanein scored on his lone attempt. Both sides finished with nine shots, while the Setters held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
The Setters return home Wednesday, Sept. 16, to host Felician University at Northwell Stadium at 12:00 p.m.
