October 24, 1999

NO. 8 FURMAN BLANKS VMI; CLINCHES SOCON TITLE

GREENVILLE, SC -- The 8th ranked Furman men's soccer team clinched at least a share of the Southern Conference title as the Paladins shutout VMI 3-0 Sunday afternoon at Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium.

The Paladins wrap up their 14th Southern Conference championship since 1983 and their ninth title this decade.

Stephen Rodriguez drilled in a penalty kick at the 11:02 mark of the first half to put the Paladins on top 1-0. Vaughan Bethell was fouled hard in the box by a Keydet defender to set up the goal.

In the second half, freshman Jody Keeling scored twice to seal the victory. Keeling's first goal came immediately after checking into the match as he headed in Carl Junot's corner kick. His second goal of the afternoon came at the 75:06 mark off assists from Vaughan Bethell and Carl Junot.

"I am pleased to come away with a 3-0 win today," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "There is still a lot of time left in the season and we have to stay focused through the remainder of the regular season and into the conference tournament."

Furman improves to 13-1-1 overall, 7-0 in the Southern Conference. VMI falls to 6-10, 0-7 in the Southern Conference.

The Paladins are ranked 8th in the nation by Soccer America, while they are tenth in the NSCAA poll and 12th in the Soccer Times national poll.

Furman hosts Clemson Wednesday night in a big in-state rivalry match at 7 p.m.

Scoring

FU - Stephen Rodriguez (penalty kick) 11:02

FU - Jody Keeling (Carl Junot assist) 67:42

FU - Jody Keeling (Vaughan Bethell, Carl Junot assists) 75:06

Shots: FU - 14, VMI - 5

Corner Kicks: FU - 5, VMI - 4

Saves: FU - 2, VMI - 3

Fouls: FU - 12, VMI - 19