GREENVILLE, S.C. - - Junior Ryan Hook’s first career shot attempt and goal in the first minute of overtime lifted the Belmont men’s soccer team to its biggest upset in program history with a 2-1 victory over #16 Furman at the Stone Soccer Stadium in Greenville, S.C. on Friday evening. The victory was the first time Belmont has ever defeated a ranked opponent in men’s soccer.

The victory improves Belmont to 7-8-2, while Furman drops to 14-3.

The Paladins scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute when Eric Baffour of Furman made a pass from midfield to his teammate, Shea Salinas, sixteen yards outside of the penalty box and Beffour netted home the shot to give them the lead, 1-0.

Furman outshot Belmont, 6-2, in the first half and attempted two corner kicks, while the Bruins took none.

Belmont was able to improve play in the second half and was rewarded with a goal from junior Cyrus Eaton (Carbondale, Colo.) in the 73rd minute to tie the score, 1-1. Eaton scored his first goal of the season with an assist from senior Ian Schinelli (Naperville, Ill.).

The game-winner came in the 91st minute when Hooks (Gainesville, Fla.) gained possession of a misplayed ball by a Furman defender and blasted his shot past the goalkeeper at the far post and into the net for the win.

Furman outshot Belmont in the match, 11-7, and attempted more corner kicks, 6-1.

Sophomore Ron Gravely continued his excellent play and earned his seventh win of the season with four saves in the match.

“We played well tonight, especially in the second half,” said Belmont head coach Earle Davidson. “Furman is a good team and we showed lots of composure and focused on getting a good result.”

Coach Davidson was also very aware of the significance of the victory.

“This is a tremendous win for our program,” said Davidson. “This win shows that we have the talent to compete with anybody. We’ve played well enough this season to be in every match and tonight we came through with the win.”

The Bruins will conclude the regular season at Wofford on Nov. 4 before traveling to DeLand, Fla. for its first-round match in the Atlantic Sun Tournament against cross-town foe Lipscomb on Nov. 14.

“We’re playing well at the right time,” said Davidson. “We’re finishing game well and continuing to prepare for the A-Sun tournament.”