ANDERSON, S.C. -- Freshman Ashley Cotton notched her first career goal in the 88th minute of action, but it wasnt quite enough as USC Aiken edged the Trojans, 2-1, in womens soccer action Friday night at the AU Soccer Field. Anderson (0-2) put pressure on the Pacers early when forward Jessica Kleinberg lifted a cross into the box just two minutes into the contest, but AU was unable to capitalize on the quick opportunity. The freshman combination of Kleinberg and Joelle Purinton pushing out in front down both sides of the pitch kept USC Aiken on the defensive for much of the opening frame. The pressure nearly paid dividends when Purinton broke open on the left side at the 17:24 mark, but her shot carried just left of the post. Moments later, AU keeper Kelli Whitfield found herself well in front of the net, but was able to block USCA's Diana Eaton from notching the first score of the afternoon. Eaton's attempt was the first of a flurry of shots that the AU defense turned away in an 11-minute span. Anderson's Kristi Caldwell threatened to get the Trojans on the board late in the opening frame when she curled a shot toward the Pacer net, but USCA keeper Nicole Westphal made a diving stop going to her left and the two teams went to intermission scoreless. USC Aiken (1-1) spoiled AU's home-opener when senior Alie Brady scored in the 69th minute and teammate Carly Minx followed with the game-winner seven minutes later. The Trojans stayed focused and garnered momentum in the closing minutes of the contest, firing four shots in the final six-plus minutes. Cotton's attempt in the 84th minute went wide and Caldwell nearly scored at the 86:58 mark, but her shot hit the post and Cotton did find the net when she collected the rebound and put it away. "We fought the full ninety minutes," said Anderson head coach Jason Dowiak. "We had our chances in the last 10 minutes. But there were positives to take away from the match. We're young and we'll benefit from this game." Next up for the Trojans is a Saturday night contest versus Lander, with the action starting at 7 p.m. at the AU Soccer field on campus.