Men’s Soccer Falls at Furman, 2-1

Tuesday, October 16

Greenville, S.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College

6-7-1, 2-3-0SoCon

Furman

10-2-3, 2-1-1SoCon

Davidson

Furman

Photo by: Walt Middleton - DavidsonPhotos.com

10/16/2012 9:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – Furman scored a goal in each half and held off a late Davidson rally to edge the Wildcats, 2-1, in Southern Conference men's soccer action Tuesday evening at Stone Stadium.

“Tonight was another close game with a rival,” said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. “Furman is a program we respect a lot. They've had a lot of success over the years and have another deep talented team, which they showed tonight.”

The setback drops the Wildcats to 6-7-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the league, while the Paladins extend their home unbeaten streak to 16, improving to 10-2-3 and 2-1-1.

“I thought we played well in the first half limiting their chances, but also creating some good chances of our own.”

With just over two minutes remaining in the opening period, Davidson was whistled for a foul in the box, which set up a Furman penalty kick. Martin Ontiveros converted the try, giving him eight goals for the season while breaking the scoreless tie.

“The penalty kick goal right before the half was tough, because I think it deflated our guys probably more than it should. I also think that played into our performance in the second half and I don't think we responded well as we weren't near as productive," Spear said.

In addition to his first-half strike, Ontiveros set up Michael Gandier's 79th minute header to give the Paladins a 2-0 advantage.

"We knew Ontiveros was excellent on set pieces, and like last year he won the game for them."

At the 88:57 mark, Ryan Malden scored his second goal of the campaign off a blast from outside the box to cut the Davidson deficit back to one.

"Ryan's goal was spectacular and one he will never forget," commented Spear.

Furman, which recently fell out of the Top-25, held a 10-6 advantage in shots and 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

Sophomore Matt Pacifici led both keepers with three saves for the Wildcats.

Davidson will continue conference play and its six-game road trip to conclude the regular season with a 7 p.m. contest at College of Charleston Saturday.

“There are still some good things to build on and we're looking forward to taking on a good Charleston team this weekend.”