CHARLESTON, SC -- The 12th ranked Furman men's soccer team needed a penalty kick shootout to defeat the upset minded College of Charleston in the semifinals of the Southern Conference Tournament.
Furman fell behind midway through the first half as Charleston's Ricardo Diaz Grenados crossed the ball to Tyler Beckstead who headed the ball past Furman goalkeeper Scott Blount. However, the top-seeded Paladins returned the favor as John Barry Nusum passed the ball off his head to Ted Figard who volleyed a 12-yard shot into the back of the net to tie the score before halftime. With the assist Nusum moved into a tie for third on the single season point list with 43.
The ball spent most of the second half on the Furman offensive end of the field as the Paladins had six corner kick opportunities in the half and outshot the Cougars 5-3, but could not put together a game-winning goal.
Furman dominated the two overtime periods outshooting Charleston 12-1, but once again could not find the back of the net for the win which sent the match to be decided by a penalty kick shootout.
Scott Blount came up big with saves on the second and third Charleston penalty kick attempts while the Furman shooters went four for four in the shootout. Anthony Esquivel, Vaughn Bethell, and Clint Hill each converted on their attempts, and Sergei Raad knocked home the game winner on Furman's fourth effort.
"I was very proud of our players tonight and the effort they put forth in this match," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "A shootout is always nerve-racking. I don't know if I can handle anymore like that. I probably aged a few years tonight."
With the win, Furman improves to 15-3-2 on the season. The Paladins currently have a 21 consecutive Southern Conference match unbeaten streak dating back to the 1999 season and will face the winner of the Davidson-Appalachian State match on Sunday at 5:30 in the finals. With the loss, the College of Charleston finished the year 10-10-2..
Scoring:
Shots: FU - 28, CHAR - 16
Corner Kicks: FU - 15, CHAR - 3
Saves: FU - 7, CHAR - 11
Fouls: FU - 17, CHAR - 24