GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — #16 Furman held off Western Michigan with a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon in front of 2,205 fans at Timmons Field. Trip Campbell's goal in the 43rd minute proved to be the difference as the Paladins extended their winning streak to nine games in NCAA Division I Championship play.
Campbell broke through late in the first half, capitalizing on service from Diego Hernandez and Wilfer Bustamante to give Furman the lead just before halftime. The goal came at a critical juncture when both teams were still searching for an opening, and it handed the home side momentum heading into the break.
The first 45 minutes unfolded as a tightly contested affair with neither team able to establish clear dominance. Western Michigan created some early chances, with Henrik Boer testing Furman's defense in the 2nd minute, while Mathieu Beuvain fired wide in the 15th minute. Furman responded with opportunities of its own, as Connor Stout and Caleb Johnson both had efforts that went just wide. The Broncos earned six corner kicks in the opening half but couldn't convert any into scoring chances.
Furman's defense tightened considerably as the half progressed, limiting Western Michigan's most dangerous opportunities. The Paladins' backline, anchored by their defensive shape, forced the Broncos into difficult angles and prevented them from generating sustained pressure in the attacking third. When Campbell's goal arrived in the 43rd minute, it felt like a reward for Furman's growing control of the match.
The second half saw Western Michigan push harder in search of an equalizer, but Furman's goalkeeper made the crucial stops when needed. The Broncos managed just one shot on goal for the entire match, a significant disadvantage against a Furman side that registered five attempts on target. Western Michigan's attacking struggles were compounded by their inability to capitalize on set pieces, despite earning additional corner opportunities late in the match.
Furman made several substitutions at halftime to manage the match, rotating in fresh legs while maintaining their defensive shape. Western Michigan countered with their own changes, including bringing in Braden Stevanovic and others to inject more attacking intent. Despite the adjustments, the Broncos couldn't find the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Furman now host Hofstra. TBA