AIKEN, S.C. – In a game slated to decide both team's postseason fates, Clayton State (3-10-2, 2-5-0 PBC) stepped up to the plate and delivered a hard fought 1-0 victory at USC Aiken (3-7-2, 0-5-2 PBC) in an NCAA Division II men's soccer game on Saturday, October 27. That victory secures the No. 6 seed in the 2018 Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
 
Neither team would be able to gain any real traction over the first 45 minutes as the Lakers fired off six shots while holding USCA to just a pair. That 0-0 deadlock would roll into the second half, but for too long.
 
Following a shot by the Pacers Sammy Viada just over the opening five minutes, Clayton State recovered and pushed into the offensive end. In the 52^nd minute senior defender Kwaku Dwamena (Lorton, Va.) powered a shot that was blocked but caromed right to sophomore midfielder Mitro Turunen (Vantaa, Finland).
 
Last year's Peach Belt Conference Co-Freshman of the year then drilled home his third score of the season to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead at the 51:59 mark. That would be one of just four shots for them over the final 45 minutes but the Lakers would make it hold up as they turned aside seven shots by the Pacers to hold on for the narrow 1-0 victory.
 
As a team, USC Aiken would notch nine shots but put just three on net. Of those, Andre Salviano and Jordan Misiri each produced two overall and one on frame. In between the pipes Alejandro Chavarria played all 90 minutes and surrendered the lone goal while making four saves. He finishes the season at 2-6-2.
 
For Clayton State, it would be Turunen delivering the lone score but it would be all they would need. He would also lead the club with three shots, including two on net. In goal, freshman goalkeeper Kari Puustinen (Orimattila, Finland) notched his first career shutout, going all 90 minutes and delivering three saves to improve to 2-6-0.
 
The win earns the Lakers the No. 6 seed in the 2018 PBC Tournament and they will travel for a road quarterfinal on Tuesday, October 30. That will come at Francis Marion, Flagler or North Georgia. Game time will be announced following the conclusion of this weekend's game once the field has been set.