CHARLESTON, SC -- The 12th ranked Furman men's soccer team rolled to a 4-1 win over Appalachain State Sunday evening to win the Southern Conference Tournament Championship for the ninth time.
With the win, Furman advances to an NCAA Play-In match against Radford next weekend in Greenville.
Furman All American junior John Barry Nusum recorded one goal and one assist to lead the Paladins to the victory as he was named Southern Conference Tournament MVP for his four goal, two assist tournament. Nusum became Furman's all-time leader in career points with 120. Nusum now totals 44 goals and 32 assists over his career. He also broke Furman's single season points record as he now has 46 points this year on 17 goals, 12 assists.
Nusum put Furman on top in the first half at the 37:19 mark as he scored off assists from McNeil Cronin and Carl Junot. Furman carried the 1-0 lead to the half and opened the floodgates in the second half. Freshman Patrick Tanner added another goal at the 47:26 mark as he knocked in a McNeil Cronin corner kick. Clint Hill extended Furman's lead to 3-0 at the 63:32 mark as he scored off double assists from Sergei Raad and John Barry Nusum. Nusum's assist pushed him to the Furman career and single season records.
Furman scored again just one minute late as Sergei Raad connected on an unassited goal to push the Furman tally to 4-0. Appalchian State put an end to Furman's shutout hopes as Brian Fowler ripped a shot to the upper corner of the goal past at the 82:10 mark.
"I am proud of our guys," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "I think our youngsters really grew up a lot yesterday in the College of Charleston match and we came out and played great today. Our focus now turns to the NCAA Play-in match."
Furman dominated the match as it outshot Appalachian State 22-7. John Barry Nusum earned tournament MVP honors, while Clint Hill, Vaughn Bethell, Sergei Raad.
Furman improves its record to 16-3-2 on the year and now own a 22 match Southern Conference unbeaten streak.
Furman will announce the date and time of the play-in match against Radford on Monday.
Scoring:
Shots: FU - 22, ASU - 7
Corner Kicks: FU - 8, ASU - 3
Saves: FU - 4, ASU - 8
Fouls: FU - 12, ASU - 18