October 3, 1999

Furman Men's Soccer Edged By #2 Santa Clara

Clemson, SC-- The 14th-ranked Furman men's soccer team lost a hard-fought 1-0 battle to second ranked Santa Clara in the championship match of the Clemson/Nike Invitational Sunday at Riggs Field.

The two teams played to a scoreless first half before the Broncos' Kyle Smith slotted in the game winner off a Shawn Percel assist at the 70:09 mark of the second half. Furman kept the pressure on as they attempted to rally from the one goal deficit, but the Santa Clara defense, which has only allowed two goals in ten matches kept the Paladins out of the net.

Smith's goal put the Paladins in unfamiliar territory as it marked the first time they have trailed this season. The match also marks the first time the Paladins have been shutout in 1999.

"This was a great match between two very talented teams," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "We have to find a way to finish the chances we get and learn how to defeat teams like this if we hope to excel this season."

Furman suffered its first loss of the season as the Paladins fall to 7-1-1. Santa Clara, expected to take over the nation's number one ranking next week thanks to two wins at the Clemson/Nike Invitational and top ranked Penn State's 4-2 loss to Indiana this weekend, improves to 10-0.

Graham Seagraves, Seth Marks, and Andy Foy were named to the all-tournament team at the Clemson/Nike Invitational.

Furman hosts Wofford and The Citadel in Southern Conference matches this week. The Paladins take on the Terriers Wednesday at 7 p.m. and will battle the Bulldogs Friday night at 7 p.m. at Eugene Stone Stadium.

Scoring
SCU - Kyle Smith (Shawn Percel assist) 70"09

Shots: FU -10 , SCU- 12
Corner Kicks: FU - 6, SCU- 10
Saves: FU - 3, SCU - 3
Fouls: FU - 13, SCU - 20