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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman opened Southern Conference play with a statement, shutting out rival Wofford 2-0 under the lights in the 39th all-time meeting between the two programs.
The Paladins improved to 6-3-1 overall and lead the all-time series 26-9-4. Wofford, which won the previous meeting between the two teams 1-0, fell to 3-4-1.
Furman entered the conference opener projected to finish second in the SoCon this season, while Wofford was projected ninth. Both teams were looking to open league play with a win, but for Furman, the stakes carry added weight: the Paladins are chasing their 10th SoCon championship and their first since 2019.
Conditions were ideal for the rivalry matchup — warm temperatures and clear skies that gave way to a sunset finish as the game moved under the lights.
Early Strike Sets the Tone
Furman wasted little time asserting itself. In the ninth minute, Riley O’Bryan scored off an assist from Norah Roller to give the Paladins a 1-0 lead with 36:48 remaining in the first half.
The goal set off a competitive back-and-forth stretch, with both teams testing the goalkeeper. Wofford grew increasingly desperate to answer before halftime, but Furman’s defense stayed solid, pinning the Terriers to the side of the field and limiting their looks — a defensive effort that in turn opened up more chances for the Paladins’ offense.
Paladins Take a Two-Goal Cushion Into the Break
Furman doubled its lead in the 41st minute when Bri Pinasco scored to make it 2-0 with 4:13 left in the half. Wofford pushed for a response in the closing minutes but couldn’t find the back of the net, and Furman carried the two-goal lead into halftime.
Furman Dominates the Second Half
The Paladins came out of the break in full control. Furman finished the match with 21 shots to Wofford’s two, a gap that reflected how thoroughly the Terriers were outplayed over the final 45 minutes. Wofford struggled to generate any offensive rhythm, unable to build sustained pressure against Furman’s defense.
The game continued to swing back and forth in terms of possession, but Furman remained the more dynamic team in every phase of play. Though the Paladins couldn’t add to their tally in the second half, the 2-0 lead held up, and Furman closed out the SoCon-opening win over Wofford.
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