Columbus, Ohio -- Furman netted a goal in each half to down Ohio State, 2-0, in the men's soccer season opener for both schools Friday night at the Bert & Iris Wolstein Classic at Jesse Owens Memorial Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Less than seven minutes into the match, junior Rocky Guerra put the Paladins in front with a shot to the left-hand side of the net from the top of the 18-yard box. Furman outshot the Buckeyes 7-1 in the opening period and Emery May nearly doubled to lead when his first period effort banged off the post.

In the 54th minute, senior Danny Kierath pounced on a failed clearance attempt by Ohio State (0-1-0) and tucked his shot away to double the Paladin advantage at the 53:40 mark.

"This was a quality win tonight on the road against a Big Ten school," said Paladin head coach Doug Allison. "I'm proud of the way our guys played and we're looking forward to getting back to work on Sunday against Dayton."

Furman goalkeeper Ben Hale finished with four saves to earn the shutout in the 2018 inaugural, while Ohio State's Parker Siegfried turned away four shots.

The Paladins (1-0-0) finished with a 10-7 edge in total shots and 6-4 margin in shots on goal.

Furman continues play in the Wolstein Classic and will look to secure the tournament title when it faces the Dayton Flyers on Sunday at Wolstein Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.


Jordan Caskey, Furman Sports Information