October 19, 2002
GREENVILLE, SC -- Anthony Esquivel's game-winning goal at the 85:25 mark gave Furman a 1-0 victory of College of Charleston on Saturday. The match was the first for the Paladins since the tragic death of freshman Gray Griffin on October 11.
The two teams battled to a scoreless first half. In the second half, a Charleston scoring opportunity was stopped at the 58:37 mark as Furman defender Matt Foxhall cleared a Marc Gaskins shot off the goal line.
Late in the second half, Esquivel stole the ball from a Charleston defender at the 80:11 mark, but his shot from 18 yards out sailed just over the crossbar.
Esquivel's goal was set up as Sergei Raad dribbled to the end line and sent a cross into the box. Clint Dempsey's header was saved by Charleston goalkeeper Keith Wiggans. Esquivel headed in the rebound for his eighth goal of the season.
Paladin goalkeeper Alex Maslow made five saves and recorded his third save of the season.
"This was a tough game for us," said head coach Doug Allison. "We wanted to come out here and play hard in honor of Gray. I am very pleased to get a good conference win."
With the win, Furman improves to 10-2-1 overall, 5-0 in the Southern Conference. Charleston falls to 6-5-1 overall, 2-2 in the conference. Furman extends it conference unbeaten streak to 38 games.
Furman returns to action on Monday night in a non-conference matchup with Lipscomb at 7 p.m.
Scoring Summary:
Shots: FU - 13; CofC - 8
Saves: FU - 5; CofC - 6
Corner Kicks: FU - 3; CofC - 2
Fouls: FU - 19; CofC - 22