FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The William Peace University men's soccer team picked up a crucial 1-0 road win over Methodist University Saturday evening at Duggins Soccer Stadium. The Pacers improve to 8-6-2 overall and 3-2-1 in USA South play, gaining momentum heading into the final matchup of the regular season.
The two sides remained scoreless throughout the opening half. Methodist recorded seven shots, but freshman goalkeeper Dallas Story made two saves to keep the Monarchs off the board. Zach Marlier and Roberto Rayo each put shots on goal for Peace, but both attempts were saved by Methodist goalkeeper Trey Gohr.
Peace broke through in the 61st minute when Topher Johnson drew a foul inside the box, setting up a penalty kick that freshman Chris Rodriguez converted to give the Pacers a 1-0 lead. Rodriguez continued his recent scoring stretch, recording his fifth goal over the last three matches.
Methodist pushed for an equalizer throughout the remainder of the second half, recording 12 shots after halftime. The Pacers held strong defensively, limiting the Monarchs to just two shots on goal for the entire match.
Story played all 90 minutes in goal, finishing with two saves to earn the shutout. Methodist held a 19-4 lead in shots, 8-5 in corner kicks, but Peace made its scoring opportunity count to secure the conference victory.
The Pacers return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to host North Carolina Wesleyan University at 7 p.m. in their regular-season finale, marking their final home match before the USA South Tournament.
