GREENVILLE, S.C. - A Furman goal in the last minute of play would cause the Wofford men's soccer team to lose in dramatic fashion, as the Terriers fell, 2-1, to drop their record to 1-3 in SoCon play and 2-10-1 overall on the season.
The Paladins dominated possession in the first half, remaining on the attack for nearly the entire first 45 minutes of play while outshooting Wofford 8-1. Furman narrowly almost took the lead in the 15th minute, as a Paladin prepared to follow up on a shot that found the right post before Kyle Nelson would make an excellent defensive effort, sliding just in time to deflect the shot well out of the box. The Paladins continued to send shots, though, Grant Wollam played steady in goal with three saves throughout the first half. Wofford's lone scoring chance came in the 38th minute as Lucas Altman found breathing room for a shot from the top right corner of the box that unfortunately sailed wide right. However, the Wofford defense held its ground to send the game into the intermission at a scoreless tie.
The Terriers came out the halftime period playing more active, as Connor Donohue broke the silence for the Terriers in the 58th minute to take the lead 1-0. Walt Stevens would send a cross into the box that deflected slightly off a Furman defender's foot, allowing for Donohue to flick the ball just past the keeper into the back of the net. The Terriers were in the driver's seat going forward, though, Furman would remain on the attack in Wofford territory for the duration of the second half. A series of blocked shots in the box and saves by Grant Wollam held the Terriers lead, up until Furman's Dalton Souder capitalized on a long throw in to boot a shot into goal, tying the score at 1-1 in the 86th minute. With both teams playing with urgency, a costly Wofford foul just outside the box would set up a Furman free kick in the 88th minute. Off the free kick, Furman's Danny Kierath lasered a shot into the lower right-hand corner of the goal to give the Paladin's the late 2-1 lead with just 53 seconds remaining. The Terriers attempted to make a final push, however, time wasn't on their side as Furman would hold on for the win at the end of regulation.
Connor Donohue earned his fourth goal of the season, while Walt Stevens added his second assist on the year in the match.
Despite the loss, Grant Wollam tallied a season-high seven saves throughout the match.
The Terriers return back to Snyder Field, hosting Belmont for a 7 p.m. kick off on Saturday, October 20.
