GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - Furman (8-1-4) continued their strong run of form with a 3-2 victory over ETSU (1-6-4) in a back-and-forth Southern Conference matchup on Saturday. The win extended Furman's unbeaten streak to three matches while dealing ETSU their first loss in three games.
Gabe Cox opened the scoring for Furman in the 57th minute with an assist from Diego Hernandez and Caleb Johnson. ETSU's Berkay Duman equalized in the 17th minute off a feed from Jaime Carrillo. Ryan Reid restored Furman's lead in the 24th minute with Hernandez providing his second assist of the match. Carrillo brought ETSU level again in the 38th minute with Ingvar Kolbjornsen setting up the goal. The decisive strike came from Hernandez in the 69th minute, sealing the win for the Paladins.
The first half saw intense back-and-forth action with both teams creating quality chances. ETSU's Henrique Cruz tested the Furman defense with three shots in quick succession around the 13th minute mark. Furman's attack was led by Cox and Hernandez, who combined well throughout the opening period. The visitors earned four corner kicks in the first half, while Luke Hutzell picked up the game's first yellow card in the 12th minute for an unsporting challenge.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for a winner. Stanley Isaac received a yellow card for ETSU in the 62nd minute, followed by Braden Dunham's caution for Furman in the 65th minute. Key substitutions came in the 70th minute when Furman withdrew Grayson Travis and Gabe Cox, while ETSU's Shewit Worton made way. The tactical adjustments proved crucial as Hernandez found the winner shortly after.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with Furman outshooting ETSU 19-12, including 8-7 in shots on target. Both teams earned four corner kicks, while the referee issued four yellow cards to each side. The teams combined for 16 fouls in a physical contest.
Diego Hernandez was the standout performer with a goal and two assists for Furman. ETSU's Jaime Carrillo impressed with a goal and an assist, while Ingvar Kolbjornsen's creative play in midfield kept the Buccaneers competitive throughout. Ryan Wagner and Luke Munson anchored Furman's defensive efforts, particularly in protecting their late lead.
Furman's tactical approach emphasized quick transitions through the wings, with Hernandez and Cox creating constant pressure. ETSU countered with a disciplined defensive shape, looking to spring attacks through Carrillo and Duman. The strategy led to several promising counterattacks but ultimately couldn't prevent Furman's winning goal.
The victory strengthens Furman's position near the top of the conference standings, extending their impressive run of form that includes recent wins over Presbyterian and a draw with Mercer. For ETSU, the loss halts their momentum following a win over UNC Greensboro and a draw against Winthrop.
Looking ahead, Furman travels to VMI for their next match on October 18, while ETSU returns home to face Mercer the same day. The Paladins will aim to extend their winning streak, while the Buccaneers seek to bounce back from this narrow defeat.