MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Sunday afternoon, Pace University Men's Soccer carried a one-goal advantage deep into the second half but Saint Anselm College scored twice over the final 11 minutes to hand the Setters a 2-1 loss in their Northeast 10 Conference opener. The defeat was Pace's first of the season, moving the Setters to 4-1-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Pace established the early pressure and broke through at 14:05. Eric Garcia forced a save moments earlier before a Setters corner helped keep the attack alive, ultimately resulting in a Saint Anselm own goal that put the Blue and Gold ahead 1-0. Alexander Dutra nearly doubled the margin less than two minutes later, but his attempt was kept out.
The Setters continued to create opportunities before halftime. Alex Squillacioti and Ali Hasanein each placed shots on target, while Joe Zweben made four saves at the other end to preserve the advantage. Pace and Saint Anselm each produced seven first-half shots, with the Setters taking the 1-0 lead into the break.
Saint Anselm increased its pressure after halftime, generating 15 shots in the second period. Zweben repeatedly kept the Hawks off the board, making six additional saves, but the hosts eventually found the equalizer at 79:28.
The match remained level until the closing minutes. Zweben made another stop with 1:56 remaining, but Saint Anselm converted the ensuing opportunity at 88:08 to move ahead for the first time. Acland Zhang registered Pace's final attempt in the closing seconds, but the Setters could not find an equalizer.
Zweben finished with a season-high 10 saves. Pace totaled 13 shots with six on goal and earned six corner kicks, while Saint Anselm finished with 22 shots and 12 on target.
The Setters return home to Northwell Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to face Southern Connecticut State University at 7:00 p.m.
