Furman Claims 2-0 Win Over Upstate
9/5/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Greenville, S.C. – Furman scored a goal early in each half and went on to take a 2-0 victory over USC Upstate Thursday night in non-conference women's soccer action at Stoner Soccer Stadium.
Upstate fell to 1-3-1 on the season and will continue its Upstate road swing when it travels to Clinton, S.C., to take on Presbyterian Sunday afternoon at 2:00. Furman improved to 2-2-0.
Furman began the game with constant pressure on Upstate's defense. The Paladins got a shot off in the first 25 seconds of the game. The shot was saved by Upstate keeper Sarah Plantz (Cartersville, Ga.), who was playing for the first time since a 0-0 tie of Wofford on Aug. 25.
The early pressure would pay off following a corner kick a little more than five minutes in. When Furman took its corner kick, Upstate was called for a hand ball in the box and Furman was awarded a penalty kick. Caitlin Shelton took the kick and put it in the net to give Furman a 1-0 early lead.
Furman maintained its offensive production and totaled seven shots in the first 25 minutes. Plantz made five saves on those shots to keep Furman off the board, except for the penalty kick goal. The Paladins continued to press Upstate's defense and finished the half with 13 shots, eight of which were on goal. Plantz made seven saves in the first 45 minutes. Upstate got off only one shot in the first half.
Furman increased its lead early in the second half, notching a goal in the 50th minute to open a 2-0 lead. Stephanie DeVita played a ball into the box where Ellen Moore took a one-timer and put the shot away in the near post.
Despite the teams combining for 16 shots, only one goal was scored in the second half as Furman went on for the 2-0 win. The Paladins led in shots in the second half, 12-4, and held a 25-5 advantage for the match.
Plantz led the Upstate effort with 11 saves. It marked the fifth time in her career she has reached double figures in saves in a match.
Follow Upstate women's soccer all season long on your mobile device, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
