August 15, 2001
GREENVILLE, SC -- The seventh ranked Furman men's soccer team conducted its first full day of two-a-days on Wednesday as the Paladins began their quest for a third straight NCAA Tournament berth.
The Paladins have their sites set high in 2001 after two straight landmark seasons.Furman holds the best record in the nation over the last two seasons as the Paladins qualified for the NCAA quarterfinals in 1999 and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
"We had a solid first day of practice today," said Allison. "The guys have worked hard all off-season and I am excited to see what they can do this year."
Among the Furman returning stars is two-time first team All American John Barry Nusum. Nusum scored 18 goals and recorded 12 assists a year ago as he finished fourth in the nation in points per match. All American Matt Goldsmith and Southern Conference freshman-of-the-year McNeil Cronin will also help anchor a talented Furman squad this season. Nusum is a Collegesoccer.com preaseason first team All-American, while Goldsmith, Cronin, and senior Jack Handy are honorable mention selections.
The Paladins are ranked seventh in the nation in the College Soccer News preseason poll and its freshman class was picked as the fourth best in the coutry.
The Paladins will host the U.S. Under-17 National Team in an exhibition match on Friday, August 24. Furman opens the 2001 campaign at home against Belmont on August 31 and its 2001 schedule features home matches against Notre Dame, Clemson, and South Carolina as well as matches against Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.