Raleigh, NC -- The William Peace University men's soccer team defeated Methodist University 3-1 on September 18th in a USA South Conference matchup. The Pacers now improve to a record of 3-2-1.

In the first half, the Pacers got out to a quick start, with sophomore Sammy Suazo scoring less than a minute in. Sophomore Ivan Ponce, who had the assist on Suazo's goal, scored on a penalty kick chance at 2:17 to give WPU a 2-0 lead. Keeper Jacob Smith kept the Monarchs off the board with a save at 6:44 on a shot by Ulises Sanchez. Junior Jose Garcia would nearly score at 29:29, but keeper Cole Hupp would just get his hands on it and deflect it high. The Pacers would continue to put on the pressure and would head into halftime leading 2-0.

WPU got an early chance to begin the 2nd half, with Ivan Ponce putting a shot on the net less than thirty seconds in. Sammy Suazo would notch his second of the night at 53:25 on a pass from Jorge Aguilar to put the Pacers up 3-0. The Monarchs would get a good scoring opportunity at 62:21, but Jacob Smith was sharp in net and kept the Pacers with a 3-goal lead. Methodist kept pushing and Rylan Hoerning was able to get a shot past Smith at 77:28 to cut the lead to 3-1. Despite the offensive push from Methodist, the Pacers would win the game 3-1.

The Breakdown

• Sammy Suazo tallied 2 goals, while Ivan Ponce recorded one.
• Ivan Ponce and Jorge Aguilar each recorded one assist.
• Jacob Smith had 3 saves for the Pacers

The Foes

• Cole Hupp had 4 saves in net for the Monarchs.

   
What's Next
The Pacers head on the road to Montgomery, AL where they will play Huntingdon College in another USA South Conference matchup. Kickoff begins at 2 p.m. CDT (3 p.m. EDT)!

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