September 29, 2000
CLEMSON -- Furman sophomore Anthony Esquivel scored a goal 4:45 into the first overtime period to propel the ninth ranked Paladins to a 2-1 overtime victory over 20th ranked Cal. State Fullerton in the opening match of the Clemson/Nike Invitational.
After a scoreless first half in which Furman had a couple of good chances to take the lead, the Paladins got on board at the 56:32 mark as two freshmen connected for the go-ahead goal. Patrick Tanner headed in a nicely placed corner kick by McNeil Cronin for the goal.
After being shutdown by Furman goalkeeper Scott Blount for almost 70 minutes, Cal. State Fullerton was able to even the score at the 69:16 mark as Duncan Oughton knocked in a pass from Art Ramirez.
Early in the first overtime period, Esquivel fed All American John Barry Nusum, who beat a Titan defender to the endline. Nusum crossed back to Esquivel in front of the goal box and Esquivel slotted the ball past Titan keeper Josh Saunders for the win. The goal was only the fourth career goal for the reserve sophomore forward and easily the biggest of his career.
"This is a great win," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Cal. State Fullerton is an excellent team with solid players. It was just an unbelievable match. I thought Anthony Esquivel played terrific throughout the match. He really stepped it up today when we needed him to."
It was a physical match with a total of 46 fouls and seven yellow cards.
Furman improves to 8-1 on the season, while Cal. State Fullerton falls to 6-3 on the year. For the Titans, it was the third straight match that they lost 2-1 in overtime in which Duncan Oughton scored the lone goal. Each loss was to national powers as they fell to Portland and Washington last weekend.
The Paladins are ranked ninth in the Soccer American poll and 13th in the NCAA Division I Media Poll. Cal. State Fullerton is ranked 20th by Soccer America and 8th by the media.
Furman returns to action Sunday at 12:30 against Brown, while Cal. State Fullerton will face Clemson Sunday at 3 p.m.
Shots: Furman -- 17; CS -- 16.
Corner Kicks: Furman -- 4; CS -- 8..
Saves: Furman -- 6; CS -- 7.
Fouls: Furman -- 14; CS -- 32.