CARY, N.C. - The Pacers were at home this Sunday for the second game of a weekend double header at WakeMed soccer park. Losers of their last 3 matches, the Pacers needed to turn things around.
Coach Huber and his staff made a couple of changes to the starting lineup, hoping the shuffle would result in some positive momentum to get back on track.
An inspired and urgent Pacer squad got right to work, scoring in only the second minute. Senior Ethan Gillette sniped the top left corner to make it 1-0.
Peace seemed to exhale as a squad as all 11 players, including starting Freshman goalkeeper Griffin Thomas, came down to celebrate the early score.
The Pacers got back to playing their game, possessing the ball for long periods and snapping off 3 more shots in the first 15 minutes of the match.
Coach Huber made his normal subs around the halfway point of the first half as the Pacers continued their hold on the match. Typical offensive contributors, Gabe Faria and Ibra Ndiaye both got shots off around the 20 minute mark, both missing the frame.
Another grade-A chance came in the 28th minute when Rafa Quevedo-Antunez's low shot was saved by Wildcat goalkeeper Cooper Jason.
The Pacers settled into a cycle of possession for the remainder of the first half, maintaining their dominant grasp on the stat column. At halftime, Peace led JWU in shots (11-4), shots on goal (5-1) and corner kicks (6-0).
Coach Huber put the starters back out for the start of the second half, as the Pacers continued to push for a much needed win.
Peace held possession for the lion's share of the first 15 minutes, resulting in a golden chance in the 60th minute.
Rafa Quevedo-Antunez was able to convert, doubling the Pacer lead.
JWU tried to turn the tide by sending in fresh legs, but the Pacer focus could not be broken.
Even when the Wildcats seemed like they were breaking through the Pacer defense, Freshman Griffin Thomas was up to the task, making a key save in the 71st minute.
As the time ticked off the clock, any last gasp chances for JWU were dealt with. The Pacers snapped the 3 game slide in convincing fashion.
The 2-0 win puts Peace at 5-3-1 going into another large non-conference match on Tuesday at Randolph-Macon.
