CARY, N.C - The presence of colder weather means each match grows in postseason implications. The Pacers came into Saturday's match with Brevard looking to get a foothold in the upper half of the USA South standings.
Peace came out of the gates with determination as Freshman Ibra Ndiaye got a shot off within the first minute of play.
The Pacer pressure continued when Roberto Rayo put one on frame in the 8th minute, requiring a save from Tornado goalkeeper Manuel Tovar Hagstrom.
Brevard was able to build up a response, putting one on frame in the 11th minute, but Ayden Miller easily dealt with it.
Both teams settled into the match, trading possession until the 31st minute when Brevard put another shot on frame. However, Ayden Miller made the save once again, keeping the scoreboard empty.
Peace launched an attack off of the Brevard chance, as Topher Johnson served a ball towards senior Ausar Omwenga.
The speedy lefty finished the chance, and the Pacers took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute.
The Omwenga goal was the last shot for either team in the first half, and Peace carried a lead into the break for the third time in four conference game.
The second half started as a defensive struggle, neither team getting a clean chance at goal.
The Pacers got the first good chance of the half when Ibra Ndiaye had a shot saved in the 59th minute.
Brevard went a large chunk of the second half without a chance, as possession stalemated around midfield.
Time continued to elapse and the Pacer defense stiffened, giving everything for a winning result.
Brevard finally broke through in the 88th minute, but Ayden Miller made a tremendous save, keeping the sheet clean.
Miller's late save secured a 1-0 win for the Pacers, maintaining their stance at the top of the USA South standings.
Peace now has a full week off before hitting the road for Southern Virginia next Saturday.
