ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The Pacers took the trip to Rocky Mount for the second time this year to face NC Wesleyan in the USA South tournament semi-finals. The second seeded Bishops and the third seeded Pacers met way back in September, in the first conference match of the year.
Coming off of an emotional quarterfinals win, the Pacers had to refocus if they wanted to upset the Bishops and continue their title defense.
No ground was gained in the first ten minutes, both teams came out cautious and didn't want to give up any cheap chances.
The first action came from Wesleyan, who put one off the woodwork in the 15th minute. The first scare of the afternoon seemed to wake the Bishops up.
Wesleyan pushed forward, winning back-to-back corner kicks and launching another shot that missed the frame.
Several more free kicks and potential chances came for the Bishops as they were the major offensive aggressor in the first half.
However, one counter attack that was launched by Peace rapidly advanced down the field. A tandem of reserves, Ehmuler Hser and Santiago Escobar teamed up to put the Pacers ahead 1-0 in the 35th. The Freshman Escobar, who has been a major contributor in his first collegiate season, seemed to completely switch the momentum to the visitor's sideline.
Escobar turned around just 2 minutes later and put another ball on frame, this one getting saved by Bishop goalkeeper Jacob Westermark.
A couple more chances came for the Bishops right before halftime, but the home team could not find the frame, all chances in the first half missed the frame for the Bishops as they entered the break with 0 shots on goal.
Wesleyan started the second half with possession and in just 50 seconds, advanced the ball into the box and drew a foul. The foul wound up being costly as Wesleyan converted the penalty kick and equalized the score, 1-1.
The Pacers didn't surrender momentum for long, as Ethan Gillette drew a foul on Wesleyan inside of their 18.
The back and forth was complete when the senior captain stepped to the spot and buried the Pacer penalty kick, reestablishing the 1 goal margin.
Peace continued the pressure and senior Ausar Omwenga had a chance at the dagger in the 55th, but Westermark made the save to keep the scoreboard reading 2-1.
Wesleyan ramped up their push and moved closer and closer to tying things up once more. In the 65th minute, the Bishops broke through as Israel Monsanto beat Miller low to knot the match up at 2.
Look no further than the amount of plastic dished out to find the physicality of the last 20 minutes. 4 yellow cards were given in the last 20 minutes of the match as each team realized their season could be in danger.
A Peace foul in the 81st minute led to an odd drop ball/free kick hybrid just outside of the box. Wesleyan junior Jordi Rodriguez connected on a rocket of a half volley that squeezed under Miller to put the Bishops ahead 3-2.
The late score forced the Pacers into desperation mode and several unorganized chances missed the frame.
Wesleyan ended the Pacer reign atop the USA South in men's soccer, as the Bishops bested the champs 3-2, and will play for the USA South championship on Saturday.
