November 9, 2003
Clemson, South Carolina- Charlie Roberts headed in the game-winner at the 75:25 mark on a rebound as Clemson overcame a 2-1 deficit to rally past Furman for a 3-2 victory in the regular season finale for both squads Sunday afternoon at Historic Riggs Field in Clemson, S.C.
Roberts, who tallied two goals on the day, put Clemson on the board first at the 23:20 mark of the first half when he headed in a cross from Landy Mattison for his fourth goal of the season. The goal came after Furman midfielder Josh Villalobos was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in the first 12 minutes of the match leaving Furman a man down.
The Paladins got an equalizer just before the half. Junior Clint Dempsey was taken down in the box and awarded a penalty kick, which he made good on to tie the score at 1-1.
In the 51st minute, Dempsey beat his defender down the left side of the box and fired a shot that was saved by Clemson keeper Phil Marfuggi. Sophomore Ryan Nesbitt pounced on the rebound and deposited it in the back of the net for his first goal of the season to give Furman a 2-1 lead.
Clemson erased the lead at 66:23 when Chase Hilgenbrinck netted his first goal of the season on a blistering 31-yard shot in the upper righthand corner beating Paladin kepper Alex Maslow. The Tigers continued to exploit their man advantage, creating multiple scoring opportunities as Clemson outshot Furman 12-4 in the half.
Clemson's game-winner came after a Stuart Holden shot was deflected to the middle of the box where Roberts knocked it in for his second goal and the final 3-2 margin.
"I was proud of the kids and how they fought, but we just couldn't seem to catch a break," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Clemson is a tough team and we gave a good effort that just came up short."
The loss drops Furman to 5-8-4, while Clemson improves to 9-7-2 on the season.
Furman returns to action Friday when it opens play in the Southern Conference Tournament in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
Scoring:
Shots: Furman - 6; Clemson - 18
Saves: Furman - 9; Clemson - 3
Corner Kicks: Furman - 2; Clemson - 3
Fouls: Furman - 17; Clemson - 21