Furman Men’s Soccer is off to a strong start in the 2013 season, sporting a 7-1-1 record and a 16th overall ranking from TopDrawerSoccer.com. Following a tough loss to Akron in their second game of the season, they’ve gone on a seven game undefeated streak during which they have won six games and managed a +17 goal differential.
The team has shown great resilience, bringing their best form to the table no matter the situation. Their talent was evident in their match against East Tennessee State University, whom they beat 5-0 in an away game. This was not a case of Furman taking advantage of a weak team like they arguably did with their 8-0 victory over Presbyterian; in their eight other matches this year East Tennessee State has only allowed three goals.
The Paladins have a well-rounded team that is able to smother their opponents’ attacking plays and create plenty of scoring opportunities, a formula that can stand the test against any foe. This season the Paladins have more than doubled the shots per games of their opponents with 15.9 per game for the Paladins and 7.7 per game from their opposition.
The team has meshed well on the field rather than relying on a few individuals. The highly-touted freshman class has produced immediate dividends for the team in the form of 16 goals from Bobby Edet, Lewis Hawke, Evan De Ycaza, Dylan Rowe, Eli Pinner, and Marco Ortiz. When combined with the already strong veterans on the field, they can at times look unbeatable.
Even in games where they struggle to score, the good work of the Paladins defense and goalkeeper Sven Lissek keeps them in the game until they can find the back of the net. Already this year they have gone to overtime four times with a 3-0-1 record in those games.
During this recent streak of success one player in particular has made his presence known. Sophomore Tyler Peoples has scored four goals in the team’s past five matches to tie Edet for the team lead. These include game winners against James Madison (1-0) and Vermont (1-0) as well as the sole Paladin score in a 1-1 tie against Appalachian State. His streak has brought him national attention as he was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Player of the Week on Oct. 1.
Peoples sees great things ahead for the Paladins. Peoples, reigning Southern Conference and NSCAA National Player of the Year, told The Paladin,
“I can honestly say that in the three years I have been here the soccer team hasn't come together as a group like it has this year. The older players love hanging out with the younger players on a regular basis and vice versa, and this chemistry along with the dedicated coaching staff is what I believe has led to the incredibly successful year we have had so far.” Tyler Peoples went on to say,
“Conference play brings a whole new set of challenges, however, but I believe if we stay focused and everyone continues to do their job, this year could be the year Furman soccer wins it all.”
The Paladins continue their five game road trip this week with games against UNC-Greensboro and Davidson before returning to the Upstate with a game against nationally-ranked Clemson in what promises to be one of the best games of the season.