August 11, 2003

FURMAN SOCCER REPORTS FOR PRESEASON PRACTICE

Greenville, S.C. -- The Furman men's soccer team reported to campus today to begin preparations for the 2003 season.

The Paladins will take to the fields for practice on Wednesday and will open the 2003 campaign against preseason top-ranked Maryland on August 29, in the Diadora Challenge at Creighton University. The team will undergo a total of nine two-a-day practices and will play two exhibition games - August 16 at Georgia State and August 22 at Presbyterian College.

"I am excited about opening the season with practice on Wednesday," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Each of our returning players and newcomers have worked hard to prepare for the season."

Head coach Doug Allison and the Paladins open the 2003 home slate by hosting South Florida in the Diadora/Spinx Furman Invitational on September 5. The Paladins have qualified for the NCAA Tournament each of the past four seasons.

Furman currently owns an NCAA record 43-match Southern Conference unbeaten streak as it has won the last four Southern Conference titles. Furman posted a 19-3-1 mark in 2002 and advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament before falling 2-1 to Stanford in overtime.