Fourth-Ranked Paladins Down College of Charleston 1-0;
Furman Advances to 7th-Straight Finals

 Charleston, S.C -- The fourth-ranked Furman men’s soccer team defeated College of Charleston 1-0 Saturday evening in the semifinals of the 1999 Southern Conference Soccer Tournament at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.

 Paladin freshman Clint Hill broke a scoreless tie in the 68th minute as he received a Seth Marks pass just outside the 18-yard box, turned and drilled a shot to the near post to give Furman the 1-0 lead.  The goal proved to be all the Paladins needed to advance to their seventh straight Southern Conference championship match.

 Furman opened the match with a flurry of shots as the Paladins outshot the Cougars 11-5 in the opening half.  Furman was unable to find the back of the net until Hill scored his second career goal in the second half.

 “We were disappointed with our inability to finish in the first half,” said Hill.  “Our plan was to come out early and put them away, but unfortunately we weren’t able to do that.  We were still able to come away with the victory and that is what counts.”

 “This was a good win over a tough College of Charleston team,” said Furman head coach Doug Allison.  They are better than their record indicates.  I am extremely pleased with our kids.  They play hard and find a way to win close matches.”

 Furman leading scorer John Barry Nusum, who led Furman with two goals and an assist in the Paladins’ quarterfinal win over The Citadel, left the match in the 29th minute with a reaggravated leg injury.  Nusum is expected to play in Sunday’s championship match.  A number of players, including Hill and Carl Junot, stepped up their play in Nusum’s absence.

 Furman will play UNC Greensboro Sunday at 3 p.m. in the conference championship match for the third straight year.  The Paladins will try to capture their eighth Southern Conference Tournament Championship since 1988.  Last season, Furman lost to UNC Greensboro 1-0 in Southern Conference final.  Earlier this season, Furman topped UNCG 3-1 in Greensboro. The Paladins hold a 7-2 lifetime record in Southern Conference championship matches.

 “We need to play hard tomorrow and make sure that there is no way we don’t get into the NCAA Tournament,” said Hill.

Furman sets a school record for wins as the Paladins improve to 17-1-1 on the year.  College of Charleston finishes the season 6-14-1.  The Paladins also won their school tenth straight match as seniors Stephen Rodriguez and Seth Marks broke the Furman record for matches played as they played in their 80th career match.

Scoring:
FU - Clint Hill (Seth Marks assist)   67:42

Shots: FU - 17, CofC - 9
Saves: FU - 4, CofC - 6
Corner Kicks: FU - 13, CofC - 3
Fouls: FU - 9, CofC - 16

For more information, contact: Chris Colvin (864) 294-3062