Greenville, S.C. – Sophomore defender Slade Starnes netted his first goal of the season, and freshman goalie Aaron Salinas recorded his second shutout, to lead the Furman men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over the UNC Greensboro Spartans in the Eighth Annual Quinn Game for Down Syndrome Awareness, Saturday evening on Seagraves Field at Stone Soccer Stadium.

Furman improves to 5-3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Southern Conference. With the loss, UNC Greensboro drops to 1-7-3 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

Starnes, a native of Dallas, Texas, put the Paladins ahead just as the contest reached the 63^rd minute of play off Josh Hosie's fourth assist of the year, which ties teammate Christian Kraus for first on the team. Furman received a free kick with Hosie gaining possession outside of the penalty area far side and quickly crossed the ball into the UNCG defense. Starnes was left open in front of the net and headed home the game-winner past Spartan goalie Jarrett Payne.

Salinas highlighted the second half for the Paladins defensively with his save of a UNC Greensboro penalty kick. UNCG was granted the penalty kick in the 50^th minute following a Furman foul and Ethan Conley's attempt was denied by Salinas, who made a diving save to his right.

A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, Salinas concluded the contest with three saves and handed the Spartans their first conference loss since November 7, 2021.

Kraus attempted a team high seven shots for Furman with three going on-goal.

Conley and Arnaud Tattevin took three shots apiece for UNC Greensboro. Payne also had three saves in goal.

The Paladins are back in action on Tuesday, October 3 when they host USC Upstate at 7 p.m.