The Furman men's soccer team raced out to a three-goal lead in the opening hour and cruised to a 3-1 victory over Appalachian State in Southern Conference action on Sunday afternoon at Appalachian Soccer Stadium in Boone, N.C.
Senior Debola Ogunseye gave Furman the first half lead, converting from five yards out on an assist from Eric Cobleigh at 22:03, for his fifth goal of the season. Following intermission, the Paladins put the match out of reach with a pair of goals in the opening 11 minutes of the second half. Jordan Howard's corner to Jonathan Collier was redirected to forward Fabien Vorbe who finished with a header at the far post for his fifth tally of the year in the 53rd minute.
Dane Roberts capped the three-goal outburst in the 56th minute with is first goal of the season. The Ajax, Ontario, native stole a pass near midfield and beat the Mountaineer keeper one-versus-one to up the Paladin advantage to 3-0.
J.J. Elder helped Appalachian State avoid the shutout with a header in the 68th minute on an assist from Arie Muniz.
Furman claimed the two-goal victory despite being outshot 17-15 by the Mountaineers. Maros Valko totaled four saves and Josh Zimmer notched two stops to combine for the victory in goal. Collin Taylor saved four shots for Appalachian. There were five cards issued in the match, including four shown to Mountaineer players.
Furman travels to face regionally-ranked Davidson next Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Davidson, N.C. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.