Box Score Raleigh, NC -- The William Peace University men's soccer team defeated Piedmont College in a USA South Conference game on Saturday, October 12th by a score of 4-3. The Pacers now improve to a record of 7-3-2 overall and 5-2-1 in the conference
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The Pacers would start out strong in the first half, with freshman Peter Darden tapping in a rebound from a shot by sophomore Ivan Ponce to put WPU up 1-0 at 12:55. Freshman keeper Jacob Smith was challenged a few minutes later on a header by Cameron Earls, but Smith was sharp in net and kept WPU in the lead. Jose Aguirre would get an opportunity at 26:33, but keeper Cameron Verona was just able to make the save. Cameron Earls tied it up 1-1 for Piedmont on a header goal on a cross from Colin Owen. The game would head into halftime tied at one.

In the second half, Peter Darden would get a quick change just a minute in, but his shot went high. At 49:55,  Ivan Ponce had an impressive shot from just outside the box to give the Pacers a 2-0 lead. Less than a minute later, Cameron Earls would score his second of the game to tie it back up 2-2. The Lions started to put on the pressure in the WPU end, but the Pacer defense was able to keep them from finding the back of the net until Cameron Earls would complete his hat trick at 66:04 to give the Lions a 3-2 lead. Ivan Ponce would get his second goal of the game at 72:00 on a pass from Jorge Aguilar. Ponce would then complete his own hat trick at 78:31, assisted by Jose Aguirre, clinching a 4-3 Pacer victory.

The Breakdown

• Ivan Ponce recorded 3 goals for the Pacers as well as one assist.
• Jose Aguirre and Jorge Aguilar each tallied one assist for the Pacers.
• Peter Darden had one goal.
• Keeper Jacob Smith had 3 saves in net.

The Foes

• Keeper Cameron Verona had 2 saves in net
• Cameron Earls recorded a hat trick for Piedmont as he scored all three of Piedmont's goals.

What's Next
The Pacers will be back in action tomorrow at home to face Brevard College. Kickoff begins at 2 p.m., so be sure to head out to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary to support your Pacers!

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: gopeacepacers.com , Facebook , or follow the Pacers on Instagram and Twitter at @gopeacepacers.