PEMBROKE, N.C. – The No. 3-ranked Lander men's soccer team suffered its first defeat of the season Wednesday night when the Bearcats lost to UNC Pembroke, 3-0, in a Peach Belt Conference game at University Field.

UNCP improves to 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the PBC, while Lander slips to 6-1-1, 3-1.

The Braves took a 1-0 lead at 2:15 when Rico Laitinen scored off a corner kick on a double assist by Payne Clark and Sam Miles. UNCP stretched the lead to 2-0 after Miles found the back of the net on a double assist from Laitinen and Reece Rooney.

Clark gave the Braves a 3-0 advantage on a header at 77:50, assisted by Miles.

Lander outshot the Braves, 20-9, and led in corner kicks, 5-3.

Bearcat goalkeeper Barrett Nielsen and UNCP's Ryan Hanson had two saves each.

The Bearcats will next host PBC rival Clayton State at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, at the Jeff May Complex.