DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer team dropped their USA South home opener on Wednesday night to William Peace University, 3-1.
 
The first half was a tightly contested affair as both sides created chances in the attack as William Peace (5-1-2, 4-0 USA South) had a slight edge in shots (9-7) while Averett (2-6-1, 0-2-1 USA South) led in corners (4-2). Freshman Johnny Kummander stole a pass in the attacking third from William Peace in the 35th minute. The Bohus, Sweden, native slid the ball to his right foot and ripped a shot near post that was saved by the Pacers keeper. William Peace was able to capitalize in the opening frame as William Peace collected goals in the sixth and 28th minutes of the match to hold a 2-0 advantage at the halftime break.
 
William Peace jumped on the Cougars in the opening minutes of the second half as they created multiple chances which led to their third goal of the match in the 54th minute that stretched their lead to 3-0. The Pacers were able to keep Averett off the scoreboard until the 66th minute of the match. Senior Jake Searcy dribbled the ball up the near sideline, beat a Pacer defender and passed the ball towards the middle of the field to sophomore Nademe Tokhli. From here, the Hubert, North Carolina, product settled the pass and then laced a shot towards the far post that bounced and skipped past the Pacers goalkeeper, cutting the William Peace lead to 3-1.
 
This goal ignited the Averett attack as the Cougars outshot the Pacers the rest of the way 9-2. Unfortunately, Averett was unable to increase their score as they fell to William Peace 3-1.
 
Tokhli and Searcy recorded their first goal and assist of the year respectively in the effort.
 
Averett returns to action on Friday as the Cougars host Greensboro College as part of Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.