GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ryan Reid etched his name into Furman soccer lore Sunday afternoon, scoring in the 107th minute to deliver the top-seeded Paladins a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UNC Greensboro and claim the program's 16th Southern Conference Tournament championship before 2,018 fans.
The championship-winning strike came after more than 106 minutes of stifling defensive soccer, breaking the deadlock in a match that showcased the tactical discipline and resilience that define conference tournament finals. Reid's moment of brilliance extended Furman's winning streak to eight matches and validated their top seed in emphatic fashion.
The opening 45 minutes belonged to Furman in territory but not on the scoreboard. Grayson Travis tested the Spartans' defense with an early shot in the second minute, setting the tone for what would become a patient offensive effort. Luke Munson added a dangerous effort in the 27th minute, while Braden Dunham twice threatened before halftime, but UNC Greensboro's backline stood firm.
The Spartans countered with their own probing attacks. Issah Haruna forced a corner in the 28th minute with a low shot toward the right post, while Julien Le Bourdoulous nearly broke through in the 34th minute with a high attempt that sailed just over the crossbar. The tactical chess match produced quality chances for both sides, but neither could find the clinical finish required.
Both coaches deployed significant halftime adjustments, with Furman rotating four players and UNC Greensboro matching that with four changes of their own. The fresh legs injected new energy, but the defensive patterns remained unbreakable. The second half became an exercise in patience and precision, each team probing for weaknesses that refused to materialize.
UNC Greensboro nearly shocked the Paladins in the 72nd minute when Arnaud Tattevin rattled the woodwork with a strike that beat the goalkeeper but not the post. The metallic clang echoed through the stadium, serving as the closest either team came to breaking through in regulation. Furman's defense recovered quickly, snuffing out the follow-up opportunity and maintaining the stalemate.
The match descended into tension as regulation time expired. Yellow cards accumulated—five total between the teams—as the physical intensity mounted. Gabe Cox received a caution for unsporting conduct in the 23rd minute, while UNC Greensboro's Arnaud Tattevin, Mohammed Sumaila, and Sami Lachekar all saw yellow in the second half and overtime periods. Ryan Reid also picked up a booking in the 65th minute, but it would be his attacking prowess, not defensive aggression, that would define his afternoon.
The first overtime period offered little relief from the defensive gridlock. Both teams created half-chances, but the quality required for tournament championship moments proved elusive. UNC Greensboro made additional substitutions seeking fresh attacking impetus, while Furman rotated strategically to maintain their structure. The 15-minute period expired without incident, pushing the championship to a second overtime—a rarity in NCAA Division I soccer.
The second overtime began with both teams visibly fatigued but mentally sharp. Trym Linberg tested Furman's goalkeeper in the 102nd minute with a low shot to the right, demonstrating that UNC Greensboro remained dangerous. But championship moments often belong to those who persevere longest, and Furman's patience finally yielded reward.
In the 107th minute, with both teams sensing the dreadful inevitability of penalty kicks, Reid struck. The sequence developed quickly: Wilfer Bustamante had attempted a shot from the center just seconds earlier, and when the opportunity presented itself again, Reid made no mistake. His low shot to the right found the net, sparking euphoric celebrations and delivering Furman's 16th SoCon Tournament championship.
Statistically, the match reflected its competitive nature. Furman finished with nine shot attempts to UNC Greensboro's seven, but both teams managed precious few on target—three for the Paladins, two for the Spartans. The goalkeepers made two saves apiece, though both will remember the 107th minute for vastly different reasons. Corner kicks were equally scarce, with Furman earning three and UNC Greensboro two in 107 minutes of soccer.
The championship validates Furman's exceptional season. The Paladins improved to 14-1-4 overall, having navigated the SoCon tournament with the composure befitting a program with championship pedigree. Reid's heroics join a long legacy of tournament-defining moments in Furman soccer history, this 16th title adding to a trophy case that speaks to sustained excellence.
For UNC Greensboro, the narrow defeat ends their tournament run but cannot diminish their accomplishment in reaching the championship match. The Spartans fell to 12-4-4 after the loss, having defeated VMI and Mercer to earn their place in the final. Their defensive organization throughout 107 minutes demonstrated they belonged on the championship stage, even if the final result proved heartbreaking.
Championship Heroes:
Ryan Reid (Furman) – Scored the championship-winning goal in the 107th minute to cap a patient performance
Arnaud Tattevin (UNC Greensboro) – Hit the woodwork in regulation and battled tirelessly throughout all 107 minutes
Furman's Defense – Held UNC Greensboro to just two shots on target in more than 100 minutes
Both Goalkeepers – Made crucial saves to keep the match scoreless through regulation and first overtime
Championship soccer rarely delivers easy victories, and Furman's 16th SoCon Tournament title came the hard way. But when Reid's shot found the net in the 107th minute, the difficulty of the journey only sweetened the triumph. The Paladins are champions once again.
Final: Furman 1, UNC Greensboro 0 (2OT)
Goal: Ryan Reid (Furman) 107'