SPORTS

 

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Freshman Vincent Bennage scored a pair of second-half goals, including the game-winner with 52 seconds remaining in regulation to lift Davidson over Furman, 2-1, Wednesday evening at Stone Stadium.

Battling through heavy rain the entire night, the Wildcats improve to 4-1-0 overall, while their former SoCon rival falls to 1-4-0.

Just prior to Bennage’s late score, senior Mateo Alzate, almost provided the difference maker with a pair of attempts at the 85:31 mark from just in front.

Junior Olivier Merlin-Zhang set up Bennage’s winner and team-leading fifth goal of the season following a Furman turnover.

Davidson, which controlled possession much of the night, finally broke through in the 54th minute when Henry Howell beat three defenders and cut it back to Bennage, who one-touched it inside the far post.

Howell was brilliant all night and led both squads with eight shots, including four on frame.

Less than five minutes later, Jake Raine provided an equalizer for Furman with a header from just inside the 18-yard box off a centering pass from Sebastian Serpa. The Wildcats’ Giacomo Piccardo came off his line and attempted to punch the ball out, but was just late.

The ‘Cats finished with a 20-13 advantage in shots, while both keepers recorded six saves each. In addition, the Wildcats held an 8-5 edge in corner kicks.

Up Next
Davidson will open Atlantic 10 play Saturday with a 1 p.m. tilt at St. Bonaventure.