August 30, 2001

FIFTH RANKED PALADINS OPEN SEASON AT HOME AGAINST BELMONT

GREENVILLE, SC -- The fifth ranked Furman men's soccer team will open its 2001 campaign Friday night against Belmont at Eugene Stone III Soccer Stadium at 7:00 p.m.

Expectations are high for the 15-time SoCon champions as Furman is coming off two straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The Paladins hold the best record in the nation over the past two seasons at 38-6-3 (21-2-1 in 1999, 17-4-2 in 2000) and return ten starters from last year's squad.

Among those returning starters is Hermann Trophy candidate John Barry Nusum. Nusum, a two-time first team All American is Furman¹s all-time leader in total points. Nusum was selected as a preseason All-American this summer along with Matt Goldsmith, McNeil Cronin, and Jack Handy. The Paladins add a freshman class that was ranked fourth in the nation by College Soccer News.

Furman was a unanimous pick among eligible voters to win the Southern Conference in the SoCon preseason coaches poll.

Head Coach Doug Allison, who ranks second among active coaches in winning percentage, has put together a challenging schedule for the Paladins this season. After hosting Belmont, Furman will host the Furman Invitational September 7-9 as Notre Dame, and Florida International, and Clemson visit campus. Furman will play Notre Dame on September 7 and FIU on September 9. The Paladins will also battle Indiana, Clemson, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Michigan this season.

Furman played one preseason match, a 2-0 victory over the U.S. Under-17 National Team.

Belmont is coming off a 1-17-0 season in 2000 that included an 8-0 loss to Furman.