CLEMSON – The No. 6 Clemson men’s soccer team secured its first win of the season and the Tigers’ first victory over South Carolina in any sport this school year with a 4-1 victory over the Gamecocks Tuesday night at Historic Riggs Field.

After tying the Gamecocks (2-2) last season for only the second time in program history, the Tigers (1-0-1) reclaimed bragging rights and extended head coach Mike Noonan’s record over South Carolina (1-1-0)  to 12-3-1 since his hiring in 2010.

After 30 scoreless minutes, midfielder Misei Yoshizawa found Gabriel Santuari on a cut down the field. Santuari immediately hit a sprinting fRansford Gyan for a bottom-left goal to take a 1-0 lead. The goal marked the first at Riggs Field this season and Gyan’s second of the year.

Last season, the Sunyani, Ghana native added five goals and six assists in 19 starts, leading to second-team All-ACC honors at the conclusion of his rookie year. His first goal of his sophomore season came last Thursday, against the No. 11 Indiana Hoosiers in a season-opening 2-2 tie.

In the second period, senior midfielder Nathan Richmond intercepted a pass from Carolina’s goalie and ricocheted it into a bottom-center goal off of his right foot to extend the lead 2-0. The goal also marked Richmond’s second of the year, after missing the majority of last season due to a back injury.

Four minutes later, Gamecock midfielder Mika Habel answered back with a bottom-right goal of his own, assisted by Matthew DeJianne, but the Gamecocks could never even the score or take a lead after a 79’ goal from Wahabu Musah and a knife-twist in the 87′ in the form of a Yoshizawa goal secured the 4-1 score

The Tigers finished with 23 total shots, including nine on-goal, in contrast to South Carolina’s and six shots with three on-goal. Clemson keeper Joseph Andema finished with two saves while Carolina’s Filip Versterre had five.

Former Tiger Tyler Trimnal was awarded the only yellow card of the game for the Gamecocks in the second period for an unsporting penalty. He represented one of the three shots on goal in the 16’ for the Gamecocks. 

Injuries

Richmond left the match in the 74’ due to an apparent injury. He was replaced by freshman Daniel Bunk and never returned.

Additional Facts

With the win, Clemson remains unbeaten by South Carolina dating back to 2014 and the Tigers have not lost to South Carolina at home since 2009. Additionally, Clemson has outscored the Gamecocks 102-60 in 54 meetings. Clemson holds a 35-17-2 advantage.

Up Next

The Tigers will look to continue their win streak Friday at 7 p.m. when they take on the UAB Blazers at Historic Riggs Field.