Paladins Primed To Host Southern Conference Semifinals

Nov. 2, 2006

Greenville, S.C. -- Furman will play host to the Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championships this weekend at Eugene Stone III Soccer Stadium. The third-seeded Paladins host second-seeded Georgia Southern at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Fifth-seeded Appalachian State and top-seed UNC Greensboro open the day's action at 4:30 p.m. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Furman enters the semifinals at 11-6-1 on the season. The Paladins have won five of their last six and boast a 7-2-1 record since September 23. Furman's only losses during the streak came against nationally-ranked Clemson and SoCon regular season champion UNCG. The Paladins have surrendered just two goals in their last five outings.

Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year Jon Leathers has anchored a Paladin defense that has allowed just 14 goals in 18 matches this season. Goalkeeper Bryan Amos, a second team All-SoCon pick, has compiled a league-leading 0.81 goals against average and notched eight shutouts on the campaign. All-league selection Chris Davis leads Furman with five goals, including four game-winners.

Georgia Southern enters Friday's semifinals at 9-5-3 on the season. The Eagles earned the second seed with a 4-1-2 league record. Furman and Georgia Southern played to a scoreless draw on September 27, in Statesboro, Ga.

Tickets for the semifinals are $5 for adults and $3 for students and youth with a valid ID.

SoCon Men's Soccer Championships

Friday Semifinals

#1 UNCG vs. #5 Appalachian State - 4:30

#2 Georgia Southern vs. #3 Furman - 7:00

Sunday

Championship Match - 1:00