LEXINGTON, Va. -- Eight saves from Virginia Military Institute goalkeeper Zach Kaplan kept the Keydets in the game, but a goal in 36th minute from Furman University gave the visiting team a 1-0 win at Patchin Field Saturday afternoon in Southern Conference action.

The Paladins, which received votes in the most recent NSCAA Coaches Poll, got a 35th minute goal from Kevin Pahl after Tony Santibanez sent a pass to Eli Pinner, who then fed Pahl. Santibanez and Pinner were credited with assists on the play.

VMI (1-8-1, 0-2-0 SoCon) got eight stops from junior keeper Kaplan, including five in the second half to keep VMI in the game. Furman (5-1-3, 1-0-1 SoCon) was awarded a penalty kick on a VMI handball in the 75th minute but Paladin Tyler Peoples sent the shot high over the cross.

Kaplan made several key saves, including one in the 57th minute as several Paladins tipped the ball towards the goal, but the junior was up to the task. Ten minutes later Kaplan made another save as Tony Santibanez took a blast from just seven yards out.

The Paladins, who have not dropped a decision in eight games, got one save from their keeper, Sven Lissek. Hunter Morgan had VMI's lone shot on goal, getting a set piece just outside the Paladin's penalty area. The Keydet junior sent a shot up and over the wall towards the left post but Lissek made a diving save to preserve shut out.

Furman out-shot VMI 20-5, including 12 in the second half. VMI's defense kept the Paladins off the board over the final 55 minutes of action. Corner kicks were close, with Furman earning six, three in each half, while VMI took four, with three in the opening stanza.

The first meeting between the programs since 2002 was chippy as VMI committed 23 fouls while Furman was whistled 15 times. Seven cards were issued during the game, with five going against VMI.