Box Score

YOUNG HARRIS, GA. - In their first NCAA Tournament appearance, the Pfeiffer men's soccer team (17-4-1) defeated USC-Aiken (14-6-1) in their first round matchup by a final score of 3-1. Jaime Siaj connected for two goals and Martim Galvao handed out two assists as the Falcons earned their first ever NCAA Tournament victory. 

The Falcons wasted little time gaining the advantage as Galvao's free kick found Siaj for his 10th goal of the season just 6:10 into the match. In the 15th minute, Roberto Soares had a chance to give the Falcons a two goal lead but the Pacers keeper made a leaping save. In the 33rd minute, the Pacers evened the score as Andre Simmond dribbled through the defense and beat Nicolas Dulac to the right. The Falcons had an answer 2:23 later as Trevor Dean's first goal of the season turned out to be the eventual game-winner. Galvao set up Dean's goal off another free kick and the Falcons never looked back. The half would end with the Falcons holding a 12-6 lead in shots and a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.

Soares barely missed tacking on a third goal for the Falcons early in the second half off of a Pfeiffer free kick. The Falcons served the ball in and Soares' header to the far corner just hit off the post. However, Soares would set up Siaj for his second score of the contest in the 60th minute. Soares sent a through ball to Siaj who went under the keeper into the left corner to seal the victory.

The Falcons never trailed in the match and have only trailed once in their last nine matches. Pfeiffer held a 23-12 advantage in shots and a 10-6 lead in shots on goal.

"Our guys were great today," said Head Coach Bob Reasso. "We beat a very good USC Aiken team. It was great to see Jaime get two goals and Martim get a couple of assists. We have a couple days to get ourselves ready to take on a great Young Harris team. We are excited for our team and for all of our fans."

Young Harris will host the Falcons on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Second Round action. The Mountain Lions are the No. 1 seed in the Southeast Region and are unbeaten in 18 matches this season. Young Harris tied Nova Southeastern to start the season and have rattled off 17 consecutive wins.

The Falcons will enter the Second Round with an 8-0-1 record in their previous nine contests and a 16-1-1 record over their last 18 matches.