Furman Explodes for Six Goals in Season Opener Rout of North Greenville
Paladins Overwhelm Division II Visitors 6-2 to Extend Perfect Start to 3-0-1
GREENVILLE, SC – Furman University delivered a statement performance in their home opener, dismantling North Greenville University 6-2 on Thursday evening at Home Stadium to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches and improve to 2-0-1 on the season.
The Paladins' offensive explosion marked their most prolific scoring display of the young campaign, more than doubling their season goal tally in a single match. Having entered the contest with just five goals through three games, Furman found their rhythm against the visiting Crusaders in what served as North Greenville's season opener.
Diego Hernandez orchestrated much of Furman's attacking brilliance from his midfield position, contributing both a goal and an assist while registering a game-high five shots. The dynamic playmaker's all-around performance epitomized the Paladins' balanced approach, as six different players found the back of the net in the comprehensive victory.
Caleb Johnson, Wesley Siegel, Landon Hill, Ryan Reid, and Gianluca Rizzo each added goals for the hosts, showcasing the depth and versatility of Furman's attacking options. The scoring distribution highlighted head coach's tactical flexibility, with contributions coming from across the formation – midfielders, forwards, and even defender Rizzo getting on the scoresheet.
North Greenville, despite the lopsided final margin, showed moments of quality in their season debut. Enrico Onzi and Quinten Gray found the net for the Crusaders, with assists credited to Lucas Di Pasquale, Emilio Galeas, and Darragh Leggett. The visitors managed seven shots with six on target, demonstrating they could create chances despite being overwhelmed by Furman's relentless pressure.
The statistical disparity told the story of Furman's dominance. The Paladins outshot their opponents 22-7 and put 10 efforts on target compared to North Greenville's six. Goalkeeper Max Miller was rarely tested, playing 81 minutes before giving way to Andrew Laplaca for the final 10 minutes as the result was well in hand.
For North Greenville, goalkeeper Ricardo Marques faced constant pressure throughout his 85-minute stint, making several saves to prevent an even more emphatic scoreline. The Crusaders' defense, marshaled by Rodrigo Silva and Alec Myers, struggled to contain Furman's multi-pronged attack as the Paladins found space consistently in the final third.
The match served as an ideal tune-up for Furman ahead of their upcoming clash with Duke University on August 31st. The Paladins have now scored 11 goals while conceding just two through four matches, maintaining an impressive +9 goal difference that ranks among the nation's best early-season marks.
The comprehensive victory also marked Furman's first meeting with North Greenville, establishing a 1-0-0 advantage in the all-time series between the South Carolina programs. The Paladins' ability to rotate players throughout the match – utilizing 23 players compared to North Greenville's 23 – demonstrated their squad depth as they navigate the early portion of their schedule.
With their perfect start intact, Furman has positioned themselves as a program to watch in the competitive landscape of Division I soccer. The offensive explosion against North Greenville suggests the Paladins possess the firepower to compete with higher-profile opponents as their schedule intensifies.
For North Greenville, the season-opening defeat provides valuable lessons as they transition into Division I competition, with the experience against a quality opponent serving as a benchmark for future improvement.
Key Players
- Diego Hernandez (Furman) - Recorded one goal and one assist while leading all players with five shots in the commanding victory - Enrico Onzi (North Greenville) - Scored one of two goals for the visiting Crusaders in their season-opening defeat - Max Miller (Furman) - Goalkeeper made key saves when called upon, helping preserve clean sheet for 81 minutes