GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - Furman (7-1-4) outlasted Presbyterian (4-5-3) in a thrilling 3-2 contest on Tuesday evening at Stone Soccer Stadium. The match featured five goals and multiple lead changes before a crowd of 847 spectators.
Jonas Sundli-Hardig opened the scoring for Presbyterian in the 44th minute, converting an assist from Steven Cordova. Luke Hutzell equalized for Furman in the 73rd minute, followed by Braden Dunham putting the Paladins ahead in the 77th minute. Diego Hernandez extended Furman's lead in the 82nd minute off a Wilfer Bustamante assist, before Iragi Kalala pulled one back for Presbyterian in the 84th minute with Sundli-Hardig providing the assist.
The first half saw intense midfield battles with both teams creating opportunities. Presbyterian's Ole Smaaskjaer and Parker Brennan tested Furman's defense with shots in the 31st and 10th minutes respectively. The Blue Hose earned three corner kicks before Sundli-Hardig's breakthrough goal. Furman's Connor Dunnigan and Gianluca Rizzo both had attempts blocked, while Luke Hutzell registered two shots before the break.
The second half intensity increased dramatically with both teams pushing for advantage. Furman's tactical adjustment to press higher paid dividends, leading to three goals in a nine-minute span. Presbyterian showed resilience, with Kalala's late goal setting up a tense finish. The match saw significant momentum shifts, particularly after Hutzell's equalizer sparked Furman's offensive surge.
Statistically, Furman dominated the shot count 14-11, though Presbyterian managed more shots on target (6-4). The Paladins held a decisive advantage in corner kicks (9-3). The physical nature of the match was evident with seven yellow cards distributed - four to Furman (Munson, Grant, Dunham, Fragle) and three to Presbyterian (Burdette, Cordova, Libertucci).
Individual performances shaped the outcome significantly. Sundli-Hardig's goal and assist highlighted his influence for Presbyterian, while Furman's Hutzell proved dangerous throughout with three shot attempts. Diego Hernandez's goal came at a crucial moment, while Wilfer Bustamante's creative playmaking led to a key assist. Both goalkeepers were tested, with Presbyterian's keeper making one save and Furman's recording four crucial stops.
Tactically, Furman's adjustment to a more aggressive pressing style in the second half proved decisive. Presbyterian's initial success came through patient build-up play and strategic use of width, but Furman's increased pressure after halftime disrupted their rhythm. The Blue Hose's late tactical shift to a more direct approach nearly paid off with Kalala's goal.
The victory extends Furman's unbeaten run to three matches, following their recent draw with Mercer and win over USC Upstate. For Presbyterian, the loss ends their momentum after their impressive road win at USC Upstate, though their competitive performance against a strong Furman side shows promise.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with conference matches ahead. Furman (7-1-4) hosts ETSU on October 11, while Presbyterian (4-5-3) returns home to face Winthrop on the same date. The match demonstrated both teams' capabilities, with Furman's second-half execution ultimately proving the difference in a closely contested affair.