The No. 9 seeded Clemson Tigers were outshot by No. 2 Notre Dame, but Mike Noonan’s team was surgical in the NCAA College Cup National Championship to take down the Irish 2-1 at Lynn Family Stadium.
Clemson continued their the NCAA Tournament dominance, shutting out their opponents until the final minute. Noonan and the Tigers secure their second championship in three years, the last coming in 2021. There are only two other teams in college soccer history to complete the feat. Clemson finishes the season 15-3-5 and national champions yet again.
Senior midfielder Brandon Parrish found himself in the same spot he scored from when the Tigers lost to Notre Dame back in September. Three months later, but it was the same result as Parrish drilled a shot in the 26th minute that curled past the Irish goalkeeper and into the net.
Clemson’s Brandon Parrish makes a shot on goal against Notre Dame in the College Cup Championship Monday night in Louisville, Ky. (photo by Scott Utterback/USA Today Network)
The defensive end kept the game in Clemson’s hands as sophomore goalkeeper Joseph Andema made two impressive saves. Notre Dame took control of the game in the last 20 minutes of the first half, but the defensive patience denied a flurry of chances.
In the 55th minute, Notre Dame’s Paddy Burns had a shot harmlessly bounce down from the crossbar, mere inches from a score. Meanwhile the Tigers’ precision rose again.
Senior forward Alex Meinhard threaded the needle to fellow senior Ousmane Sylla in the 70th minute, who placed a shot directly in the corner of the net. The brace made it 2-0 Clemson, cruising to the victory.
A Tigers handball secured a late penalty for the Irish, but Burns’ goal wasn’t enough for a late comebacker. Notre Dame finished with 15 shots, but Clemson never wavered and are champions once more.
–Top photo by Jamie Rhodes/USA TODAY Sports
To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100. These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams. Get one while supplies last.
