AIKEN, SC -- USC Aiken (2-7-2, 1-1-0 PBC) claimed a two-goal second-half advantage and held off a late Francis Marion University (7-7-0, 0-4-0 PBC) rally for a 2-1 win in men's Peach Belt Conference soccer action on Wednesday evening (Oct. 12).

The Pacers' win snaps a PBC record 19-game conference winless streak (0-18-1) dating back to the 2001 season.  Ironically, the late time USCA won a conference match was against the Patriots.  Each of the last four meetings between the two schools have been decided by one goal, with FMU winning each of the last three contests.  Wednesday's win also gave USC Aiken head coach Ike Ofoje his 100th career win when combining victories as head of the school's men's and women's soccer programs. 

The match got off on the wrong foot for Francis Marion.  Only 1:23 into play, a Patriot defender headed in an own goal off a Pacer corner kick to give USCA the quick 1-0 advantage.  It marks the third time in the last four matches that FMU has accounted for an own goal.  The score remained 1-0 through halftime. 

Midway through the second half, Durell Johnson crossed in a perfect pass to Wacey Benjamin, who found himself all alone in front of the net from 10 yards out, beating FMU goalkeeper Jonathan Runion to put USCA up 2-0 in the 60th minute.

Pacer defender Ryan Jackman was whistled for an intentional handball in the box in the 82nd minute when trying to head a ball out.  After Jackman received a yellow card, Patriot senior Mike Greenaway converted the ensuing penalty kick to draw FMU within one at 2-1.   It was Greenaway's second goal of the year and sixth of his career.

Marcos Rodriguez turned in a sterling performance in net for USCA, turning away the Patriots on solid scoring chances and recording five saves.   Runion registered one save in net for Francis Marion. 

The Patriots finished with a 10-8 edge in shots and a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. 

Francis Marion will play out of conference at Methodist College on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. 

Men's Soccer Game Summary (Final)

Francis Marion vs USC Aiken (Oct 12, 2005 at Aiken, S.C.)

Francis Marion (7-7-0, 0-4-0 PBC) vs. USC Aiken (2-7-2, 1-1-0 PBC)

Date: Oct 12, 2005  Attendance: 230

Weather: misty, 65 degrees

Goals by period      1  2 Tot

Francis Marion......  0 1 -  1

USC Aiken.............  1 1 -  2

SCORING SUMMARY:

1-0   1:23 USCA OWN GOAL Corner kick

2-0   59:35 USCA Benjamin, Wacey (1) (Johnson, Durell) - cross from left wing; beat GK 1 vs. 1

2-1   81:19 FMU Greenaway, Mike Penalty kick

Shots: Francis Marion 10, USC Aiken 8 Saves: Francis Marion 1 (Runion, Jonathan 1), USC Aiken 5 (Rodriguez, Marcos 5) Corner kicks: Francis Marion 4, USC Aiken 3 Offsides: Francis Marion 2, USC Aiken 4 Fouls: Francis Marion 9, USC Aiken 18 Cards: YC: Emmanuel Maduka (USCA, 48:09); Ryan Jackman (USCA, 81:19)