Furman Men’s Soccer is gearing up for a challenging 2023 season with a packed schedule of 10 home matches at Seagraves Field, Stone Stadium. The Paladins are set to face fierce competition, including four opponents ranked in last season’s final United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll.
Furman opened the season with an exhibition match against Lees-McRae at Stone Stadium on Aug. 12. The first half goal by Christian Kraus led the Dins to a 1-0 win over the Lees-McRae Bobcats.
Three days after the season-opener, Furman Men’s Soccer traveled to Historic Riggs Field to cap their preseason campaign against #9 Clemson. Mohamed Seye of the Tigers scored a brace as Clemson topped Furman, 2-0.
Furman kicked off the 2023 regular season campaign at Duke’s John Rennie Nike Invitational with a matchup versus former Southern Conference rival and reigning CAA champion Elon on Aug. 25. The Paladins had 17 shots, 10 of which were on goal, in a thriller dominated by Furman’s hardworking midfield.
The Blue Devils, ranked #4 in the nation, set opposition in the tournament finale two days later. Forster Ajago of Duke propelled his team to victory with a hat-trick.
The road to the Southern Conference championship, and automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament, remains a challenge afterward. Furman takes a trip to #24 Wake Forest on Sept. 4 before entertaining Winthrop in the home opener on Sept. 8.
Doug Allison, who holds the record for all-time wins in SoCon history, and his team then visit Coastal Carolina on Sept. 11 ahead of a five-game homestand:
The UNCG Spartans, who reached the NCAA quarterfinals as the 2022 SoCon champions, will enter Stone Stadium for Furman’s annual Quinn Game for Down Syndrome Awareness.
Furman’s season continues with consecutive away matches against VMI and Mercer in October. The Paladins terminate their home slate for the regular season in a non-conference contest versus Presbyterian on Oct. 17 before hosting ETSU for Senior Night on Oct. 21.
After Senior Night, Furman travels to UNC Asheville and Wofford to conclude the regular season, with the SoCon Men’s Soccer Championship starting on Nov. 3. This tournament leads up to the SoCon Championship Match, scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 11-12.
Doug Allison returns for his 29th season at the helm of Furman Men’s Soccer. He welcomes back 10 starters from last season, which saw the Paladins clinch a 7-7-4 record. Notable returners include Premier League-side Everton FC’s former academy right back Josh Hosie (who also represented Wales at the U17 level) and Dylan Lane, who played for USL League Two side Vermont Green FC over the summer after leading Furman in assists last year.
Alongside a long list of experienced contributors, the Dins return 2021 All-SoCon forward Jake Raine and 2022 SoCon All-Freshman selection Slade Starnes. Raine led Furman with five goals last season despite making only seven appearances with four starts due to injury.
