AIKEN, S.C.--Local Aiken native Adam Lambert punched in the game-winner with 45 seconds to play in regulation to save USC Aiken (1-1-1) from certain overtime with Anderson College (0-3-0) in men’s non-conference soccer action on Thursday night. The Pacers won 3-2, improving to 4-0-0 all-time versus the Trojans.

Tolu Popoola (1) got Anderson on the board first in the 27th minute, finding the back of the net from straight on, 15 yards out. Emmanuel Maduka (2) evened things up in the 41st minute, angling a shot from the right wing past goalkeeper Andy Barth.

In the early moments of the second-half, Maduka struck again, this time lofting one over Barth from 20 yards away to give USCA the 2-1 advantage. The Pacers made that lead stand up until the 80th minute when Steve Henderson (1) scored off a Trojan corner kick by Peter Miele to knot it up at 2-2.

Seemingly destined for overtime, Adam Hailat was able to make a run at the goal, drawing Barth out of the net. Barth deflected Hailat’s shot, but Lambert was there to knock it in from just feet out in front for the game winner.

Harold Tate shined in net for USC Aiken recording eight saves, allowing just two goals. Tate made several crucial saves over the final 25 minutes, giving the Pacers a chance at their first win of the season. Barth registered three saves and three goals against.

USC Aiken will host Barton College on Saturday, September 3 at 7:00 PM. Anderson will continue its road-swing playing at North Greenville on Monday, September 5 at 5:00 PM.

Men’s Soccer Game Summary (Final)
Anderson vs USC Aiken (Sep 01, 2005 at Aiken, S.C.)
Anderson (0-3-0) vs. USC Aiken (1-1-1)
Date: Sep 01, 2005 Attendance: 115
Weather: warm, 88 degrees

Goals by period.......1 2 Tot
Anderson................ 1 1 - 2
USC Aiken............... 1 2 - 3

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 26:17 AC Tolu Popoola (1) (Josh Pittman) - straight on, 15 yards
2. 40:58 USCA Maduka, Emmanuel (1) (Bannon, Ryan) - right wing, 12 yards out
3. 46:25 USCA Maduka, Emmanuel (2) (Rushing, Tommy) - lofted over GK from 20 yards out
4. 79:56 AC Steve Henderson (1) (Peter Miele) - Corner kick
5. 89:15 USCA Lambert, Adam (1) (Hailat, Adam) - rebound goal, empty net

Shots: Anderson 12, USC Aiken 13
Saves: Anderson 3 (Andy Barth 3), USC Aiken 8 (Tate, Harold 8)
Corner kicks: Anderson 9, USC Aiken 2
Offsides: Anderson 0, USC Aiken 5
Fouls: Anderson 12, USC Aiken 23
Cards: YC: Michael Zion (AC, 40:51), Tolu Popoola (AC, 68:45)

FULL BOXSCORE