November 17, 2001
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - The 18th ranked Furman men's soccer team advanced to the championship match of the 2001 Gift of Life/Southern Conference Men's Soccer Tournament with a 1-0 victory over College of Charleston Saturday afternoon at Patriots Point.
Furman will play in his ninth straight SoCon Championship Match as it advanced past the College of Charleston in the semifinals for the third straight year.
Furman's Patrick Tanner scored late in the first half as his shot directly off a Clint Dempsey corner kick squeezed into the goal near post. The goal was Tanner's second game-winner of the tournament.
"I am proud of our guys today," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "The College of Charleston in always tough, especially in the tournament, but we found a way to come away with the victory today. We have a huge match to get ready for tomorrow."
Furman has not allowed a goal in this year's tournament with two shutouts against Wofford and College of Charleston.
Furman improves its Southern Conference unbeaten streak to 32 matches, dating back to the start of the 1999 season. That streak is now the fourth longest conference unbeaten streak in NCAA Division I history. The Paladins improve to 16-4 on the year, while College of Charleston finishes the season 6-11-1.
Furman will battle the winner of the UNC Greensboro-Georgia Southern match Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Paladins are seeking its tenth SoCon Tournament Championship in the last 14 years.
Scoring:
Shots: FU - 18; CofC - 8
Corner Kicks: FU - 9; CofC - 3
Saves: FU - 5; CofC - 3
Fouls: FU - 18; CofC - 21