Oct. 17, 2007

Box Score

Clemson, S.C. - Clemson netted two first half goals and weathered constant pressure from a shorthanded Furman squad in the second half to down the 14th-ranked Paladins 2-1 in non-conference men's soccer action Wednesday evening at Historic Riggs Field in Clemson, S.C.

Clemson upped its record to 6-7-1 on the season with its second straight win over a ranked opponent while Furman dropped to 12-2-0.

Clemson took a 1-0 lead at the 4:35 mark on Nathan Thornton's fourth goal of the season. Drake passed to Eric Cava on the right side and the midfielder sent diagonal ball into the box. Thornton beat his defender to the through ball and slotted a shot past Paladin keeper Bryan Amos to the near side.

The Tigers struck another blow in the 35th minute. Tate Parrish intercepted Jon Leathers' back pass and was taken down in the box by Michael Erwood. The Paladin defender received a red card and Drake converted the penalty kick to give Clemson a commanding 2-0 lead at 34:18.

Furman cut the lead in half at the 65:35 mark on Shea Salinas' third goal of the season. Patrick Murray played a centering pass to Jordan Howard who had his shot blocked. Salinas collected the ball on the left side of the box and beat Clemson keeper Joseph Bendik top shelf to trim the margin to 2-1.

The Paladins controlled possession for most of the final 20 minutes, but couldn't best Bendik who finished with three saves for the Tigers. Bryan Amos stopped two shots, both in one versus one situations, to suffer just his second defeat of the season.

Each team attempted 10 shots and took two corner kicks while the Tigers committed 20 fouls to Furman's 11 infractions.

The Tigers' two goals marked the first time this season that Furman has allowed multiple goals in a match.

Furman returns to Southern Conference play Saturday when it travels to the College of Charleston for a 6 p.m. match at Patriots Point.