August 17, 2001
GREENVILLE, SC -- The seventh ranked Furman men's soccer team announced its 2001 schedule on Friday.
Head Coach Doug Allison believes he has assembled the toughest schedule in Furman history, which he hopes will battle test his squad in preparation for the NCAA Tournament.
Furman will open the season with a home exhibition match against the Under-17 U.S. National Team on August 24 and will begin regular season play with a home match versus Belmont on August 31.
The Paladins' home schedule is highlighted by matches against in-state rivals South Carolina and Clemson. Furman will also host the second annual Furman Invitational with matches against Notre Dame and Florida International.
Furman will be travelling to Indianapolis to play national powerhouse Indiana as well as to Miami to play Michigan and Kentucky in Florida International's tournament. ThePaladins will also participate in the Clemson Invitational in matches against Virginia Commonwealth and Cal Poly.
"I am really excited about this schedule," said head coach Doug Allison. "Indiana is a benchmark match. They are perennially the team to beat and we look forward to competing against Coach Yeagley and the Hoosiers. It's also not often that you get a chance to compete against a youth national team. That will be a great opportunity to showcase this program and this university."
The Southern Conference continues to improve with Davidson, UNCG, and Appalachian State expected to provide the toughest challenge to Furman earning its 16th Southern Conference championship. Each was ranked in the region's top ten at some point last season. The College of Charleston is also a strong team, and Furman will have to battle all four foes on the road this season.
"We want to win the national championship," said Allison, who ranks second among active coaches in winning percentage in Division I. "That is our ultimate goal. We have several other goals we hope to accomplish along the way, but through dedication we hope to reach each one and eventually bring a national championship to Furman."
Furman ranks seventh in preseason national polls and has added a freshman class that is ranked fourth in the nation. The Paladins are also returning forward John Barry Nusum who is a preseason first team All-American and a finalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy.