Greenville, S.C. -- Vanderbilt used an own goal in the 84th minute to edge Furman, 1-0, in women's soccer action on Sunday afternoon at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex in Nashville, Tenn.

With less then seven minutes remaining in regulation, Vanderbilt's Abby Carr dribbled down the right side to the end line and played a cross towards the penalty spot.  In an attempt to keep the ball away from the Commodores' Claire Romaine, Furman's Irravadee Makris made a sliding play on the ball only to deflect the cross inside the near post for the lone goal of the match.

"It was a big challenge for us to open the season with back-to-back games against SEC opponents," said Furman head coach Andrew Burr.  "We struggled this weekend to put two halves together.  I thought we created some good chances in the second half today, but we were unlucky to give up the goal."

Furman threatened early in the first half as defender Catie Moore rattled the cross bar with a shot in the opening minutes, but Vanderbilt took control of the opening 45 minutes after that by forcing Smith into five saves and outshooting the Paladins 14-3.  In the second half, Furman began to pressure Levick and the Commodores' defense as freshman Hannah Stanifer forced the Vanderbilt keeper into a pair of saves before the deflection gave the lead to the home side.

The own goal spoiled an eight-save effort from Paladin keeper Jessica Smith who kept the match deadlocked until the final minutes. Levick managed two saves to earn the shutout for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt finished with a 20-7 edge in shots and 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.  

Furman returns home to host Presbyterian College on Friday at Stone Soccer Stadium.  Kickoff against the Blue Hose is set for 7 p.m.

Follow www.FurmanPaladins.com and www.Twitter.com/FurmanPaladins for updates on Furman Women's Soccer throughout the 2011 season.