GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - The #1 Furman Paladins secured a 4-2 win over the #5 Wofford Terriers at Stone Stadium, with an attendance of 887, extending their winning streak to seven games and solidifying their position atop the conference standings.
The match got off to a strong start for the Terriers, with Diego Hernandez scoring in the 12th minute to give Wofford an early lead. However, the Paladins responded quickly, with Gianluca Rizzo converting a goal in the 39th minute, assisted by Connor Stout and Trip Campbell, to level the score. Before halftime, Furman's dominance in shot attempts, with 8 to Wofford's 3, hinted at their growing control over the game.
The Paladins took the lead in the second half, with Braden Dunham scoring in the 54th minute, followed by Samuel Byron netting a goal just over a minute later. Wofford's attempts to mount a comeback were hindered by Furman's strong defensive performance, which limited the Terriers to just 3 shots on goal throughout the match. Dunham struck again in the 59th minute, assisted by Rizzo, to put the Paladins up 4-1. Adam Celik scored Wofford's second goal in the 82nd minute, but it was too little, too late, as Furman's 9 shots on goal and 5 corner kicks reflected their overall dominance.
Key performers for the Paladins included Dunham, who scored two goals, and Rizzo, who scored one and assisted on another. For the Terriers, Hernandez and Celik were notable, each scoring a goal. The win marked Furman's 13th victory of the season, improving their record to 13-1-4, while Wofford fell to 6-11-2. As the Paladins look to continue their winning streak, they will face off against their next opponent, building on their recent success and the knowledge that they have outshot their opponents in all but one of their last seven matches.
With this victory, Furman maintains their top ranking and extends their conference lead, having won 4 out of their 5 conference matches.