Raleigh, NC -- The William Peace University men's soccer team defeated the Averett Cougars in 2OT by a score of 1-0. Freshman Jorge Lemus would tally his first goal of the season and his first collegiate goal on a penalty kick to give WPU the win.

THE BASICS

• Final score: William Peace 1, Averett 0
• Records: William Peace (2-1-1, 2-1), Averett (3-1-0, 2-1)
• Location: Danville, VA

HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half would be a back-and-forth battle for possession, with neither team able to create any scoring opportunities as both back lines kept their goalkeepers from being tested. The Cougars would get a chance early in the first half on a corner kick, but the Pacer defense was able to head the ball away to keep the game scoreless. A free kick shot by Bloody Samlouius would be blocked in front, while Alfonso Turcios would get a chance on a breakaway at 30:12, but his shot would go just wide. The game would remain scoreless heading into halftime.

The second half would see the game become a physical battle as both teams picked up several fouls. Pacer goalkeeper Jacob Smith would make two consecutive saves on Averett's Johnny Kummander before the Pacer defense blocked a shot in front as the Cougars attempted to take advantage of a few free kicks. The Cougars would continue to pressure Smith, but he would keep the game scoreless as WPU was unable to come up with a good scoring opportunity, sending the game into overtime.

The first overtime proved to be a momentum shift for the Pacers, with Jose Aguirre putting a shot on goalkeeper Colton Dutchess just a minute in. Nathan Seery would attempt to head the ball in off a corner kick by Jorge Aguilar, but his chance would be blocked, and the game would head to a second overtime.

In the second overtime, the Pacers would gather possession early. Donnie Leahy would help the Pacers maintain possession as he held off two Cougar defenders. Leahy would be able to find Jose Aguirre who would serve a ball into the feet of Nathan Seery. Seery would find Jorge Lemus inside the 18, who would be taken down by a Cougar defender as he settled to draw a penalty kick. Lemus would end the game with a sharp goal to give the Pacers a 1-0 win.

The Breakdown

• Jorge Lemus scored the game winning goal for the Pacers in 2OT on a penalty kick.
• Jacob Smith made 5 saves in goal for the Pacers.

The Foes

• Johnny Kummander and Erik Blick each tallied two shots on goals for Averett.

What's Next? 
The Pacers will travel to Staunton, VA to take on Mary Baldwin University on March 10th at 3PM.