Tigers Extend Streak to 12 Against Gamecocks
The No. 6-ranked Clemson Tigers faced off against the unranked South Carolina Gamecocks in yet another edition of the Palmetto Series. Clemson came into this game on an 11-game unbeaten streak against the Gamecocks and were able to extend that streak to 12. Goals from Ransford Gyan in the 32’ and Nathan Richmond in the 54’ gave Clemson a 2-0 lead, but a 57’ goal from Mika Habel cut the Tigers’ lead down to 2-1. The Tigers were able to hold on and beat the Gamecocks after Wahabu Musah’s 80’ goal and Misei Yoshizawa’s 87’ goal gave Clemson a 4-1 win. Clemson United improved to 1-0-1 on the season, while South Carolina fell to 1-1-0.
Hot Start for Clemson
The Tigers got off to a hot start against their bitter rivals, as they mustered up six shot attempts and four corner kicks in just 15 minutes of play. After a couple of close calls in the final third, freshman Gabriel Santuari got Clemson their first shot on target, which was easily grabbed by the Gamecocks’ keeper in the 9’. The closest Clemson got to scoring the opener in the first few minutes was a left-footed attempt by Ransford Gyan that struck the post and was cleared wide for a corner kick.
In the 25th minute, Wahabu Musah went down in the penalty area looking for a call, but a VAR review deemed there was no foul play. The luck finally turned in Clemson’s favor as a strong build up play from Gabriel Santuari and Misei Yoshizawa found Ransford Gyan in front of the goal with only the keeper to beat. Gyan’s one-timer went right past Filip Versterre and rippled the back of the net to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the 32’.
First Half in Control
At the end of the first half, the Tigers led South Carolina 1-0 at Historic Riggs Field, but that scoreline wasn’t indicative of how Clemson played. The Tigers dominated much of the possession throughout the first half while outshooting the Gamecocks 12 to 3. This Clemson squad would be the first to tell you that they should’ve scored more than one with the chances that Wahabu Musah and Misei Yoshizawa had during the first 45 minutes.
Second Half Action
The Tigers did not let off the gas to start the second half, as a clumsy mistake from South Carolina’s goalkeeper, Filip Versterre, gave Nathan Richmond the ball through on goal. All Richmond had to do was slip the ball past Versterre to provide Clemson with a 2-0 lead early in the second half.
But that two-goal lead wouldn’t last long, as just three and a half minutes later, Mika Habel’s shot was redirected by Clemson defender Floki Stephensen and found its way into the back of the net to cut the Tigers’ lead in half.
Musah and Yoshizawa Seal It
Clemson was able to shut the door on their rivals in the 80th minute, as a beautiful solo effort from Wahabu Musah allowed the sophomore to get past two defenders with only the goalkeeper to beat. Musah’s left-footed shot got past the keeper and rattled the back of the net to give Clemson a two-goal cushion.
The Tigers would continue to put the pressure on as Misei Yoshizawa was able to bury Mason Jimenez’s effort off the post to secure a 4-1 win for Clemson over South Carolina.
Takeaways
Clemson’s attack looks to be deadly once again. Ransford Gyan and Nathan Richmond have as many goals as they do games played (2), Wahabu Musah continues to create strong chances for himself as he scored his first goal of the year, and Misei Yoshizawa notched his first goal and assist of the new season.
Former Clemson Tiger Tyler Trimnal made himself known in his first game back at Historic Riggs Field since transferring to South Carolina. The Gamecocks’ #9 had two shots on goal and received a yellow card for his dangerous tackle on Clemson’s Floki Stephensen in a little over 50 minutes played. The Clemson faithful made sure to give Trimnal an earful during tonight’s game, especially after his strong challenge in the 78’.
Mike Noonan and Clemson United continue to dominate South Carolina. With tonight’s win, Noonan improves his strong record against the Gamecocks to 12-3-1, with South Carolina not having beaten Clemson in 4,012 days. Clemson is also unbeaten in their last 12 games against their archrival, showcasing their dominance throughout Mike Noonan’s 16-year tenure at Historic Riggs Field.
Up Next
Clemson United will take on the UAB Blazers at 7:00 PM on Friday, August 29, at Historic Riggs Field.
Stay tuned and updated with Tiger View Media, as we bring you news, recaps, and stories for Clemson Men’s Soccer this season.
