Pioneers Battle Top-Seeded Union Commonwealth Before Falling 2-0 in AAC Tournament Opener
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spartanburg Methodist (4-8-4, 4-5-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Union Commonwealth (11-2-4, 9-0-3) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Barboursville, Ky. – Playing in its first Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament game, the No. 8 seed Spartanburg Methodist College men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to host and top-seeded (RV) Union Commonwealth on Friday afternoon.
The scoreline didn't reflect the intensity of the 90-minute battle, as the Pioneers surrendered goals in the 12th and 86th minutes.
Spartanburg Methodist (4-8-4) managed seven shots against a Bulldog defense that entered the contest leading the NAIA with a 0.33 goals-against average. Michael Torres led the Pioneers with two of those attempts.
Union Commonwealth (11-2-4) broke the scoreless tie in the 12th minute on a goal from Gianni Loska, then added an insurance goal in the 86th minute from Jordan Blake to seal the win.
Trailing 1-0 in the 50th minute, the Pioneers nearly found an equalizer when shots by Joaquin Gillum and Ossian Lindberg-Haak were blocked by the Union defense to preserve the lead.
The loss ends the season for Spartanburg Methodist.
