Fourth-Ranked Paladins Down The Citadel 3-0;
Furman Advances to 12th-Straight SoCon Semifinals

 Charleston, S.C -- The fourth-ranked Furman men’s soccer team defeated The Citadel 3-0 Friday afternoon in game one of the 1999 Southern Conference Soccer Tournament at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., as John Barry Nusum scored two goals and recorded an assist.  With the win, the Paladins make their 12th straight Southern Conference semifinal appearance.

 After a slow start, Furman scored as sophomore Vaughn Bethell netted the first goal of the afternoon at the 29:08 mark off a John Bradford, John Barry Nusum double assist.

 John Barry Nusum took charge in the second half as he scored 32 seconds into the half.  Nusum took a pass from Carl Junot and found the back of the net to put the Paladins ahead 2-0.  Nusum then scored on a bicycle kick to put the match out of reach.  The play was set up as Clint Hill took a shot that hit the cross bar.  The ball deflected back to Hill, who crossed the ball to Nusum, who jumped and rifled the shot over his head.

 “I am excited because a lot of different players played well today,” said Furman head coach Doug Allison.  “John Barry was sharp in the second half, while Clint Hill, Vaughn Bethell, Stephen Rodriguez, and John Bradford really performed well.  A lot of teams are targeting us because we are fourth in the nation and our guys have to be ready to play and take every challenge that comes along.”

 Furman ties a school record for wins as the Paladins improve to 16-1-1 on the year.  The Citadel finishes the season 4-13-1.  The Paladins won their school record ninth straight match and have now defeated The Citadel 22 straight times.  Furman has now shutout its first round opponent in the SoCon Tournament for the fourth straight year.

 The match was Doug Allison’s 100th as head coach of the Paladins.  Allison has recorded a 73-20-7 record over his five-year career.  Furman seniors Stephen Rodriguez and Seth Marks tied the Furman record as they played in their 79th career match.

 Furman will face the winner of the College of Charleston-Appalachian State match at 4:30 Saturday afternoon.

Scoring:
Vaughn Bethell (John Bradford, John Barry Nusum assists)  29:08
John Barry Nusum (Carl Junot, John Bradford assists)  45:32
John Barry Nusum (Clint Hill assist)     63:57

Shots: FU - 26, CIT - 5
Saves: FU - 3, CIT - 3
Corner Kicks: FU - 15, CIT - 4
Fouls: FU - 12, CIT - 10