Nov. 16, 2007

Box Score

Greensboro, N.C. - Michael Erwood drilled in a header off of a Patrick Murray corner kick in the 77th minute to lift 22nd-ranked Furman to a 2-1 victory over Elon in the Southern Conference Men's Soccer Semifinals Friday night at UNC Greensboro Soccer Stadium.

The Paladins, who improve to 17-3-0 on the season, advance to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. final to face the winner of tonight's UNC Greensboro vs. College of Charleston semifinal. With the loss, Elon finishes its season at 8-7-4.

"This was a key win for us tonight against a very strong Elon team," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "Our boys ddin't panic when they scored, but kept working and were able to get the result in the end."

SoCon Freshman-of-the-Year Haris Cekic put Furman in front at the 43:03 mark. Shea Salinas lofted a cross from the right wing to the far post where Cekic bested the keeper for his eighth goal of the season.

Justin Wyatt, a first team All-SoCon pick, equalized for the Phoenix at 72:26 on a header off of an assist from Brad Franks.

With less than 15 minutes remaining, Furman drew a corner kick. Murray served a ball into the box, but Elon pushed the loose ball over the endline. Erwood crashed the net and connected on Murray's second cross for his third goal of the season.

Each team totaled six shots on goal for the match. Furman's Bryan Amos notched five saves while Clint Irwin stopped four shots for the Phoenix.