Clemson Defeats Virginia 2-0

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Ara Amirkhanian and Austin Savage scored the Tigers’ goals and Manolo Sachez assisted on both as Clemson defeated Virginia 2-0 in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s soccer match at Charlottesville, VA Friday night.

Clemson improves to 3-5-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the ACC.  Virginia falls to 5-4-1 overall and 1-2 in league play.

Clemson scored first in the 27th minute when Manolo Sanchez took a pass near the goal line and fired a low cross across the box to a wide open Ara Amirkhanian, who buried the shot from short distance. It was Amirkhanian’s second goal of the season.

The Tigers added an insurance goal in the 74th minute when Sanchez served the ball into the center of the box, to Austin Savage.  He knocked it past Virginia goalkeeper Spencer LaCivita   It marked just the second time this year that the Cavaliers have surrendered more than one goal in a match.

Virginia finished with an 11-9 shots advantage.  Virginia put two shots on goal, while Clemson recorded three shots on goal.

“It was a team effort, I am very happy for the team,” said Clemson Head Coach Mike Noonan.   “We played exceptionally well in the first half.  We also had a great defensive effort from  Phanuel Kavita, and Kyle Fisher. The whole team played well and I was very happy to get the conference win on the road.  This marked the second time in a row that the Tigers have defeated Virginia in Charlottesville in the series.  The Tigers defeated Virginia in Charlottesville in 2009 before the Cavaliers played two matches in Clemson in 2010 and 2011.

LaCivita made one save, while Clemson goalkeeper, Chris Glodack was credited with two saves in earning the shutout.

Clemson will play at UNC-Greensboro on Tuesday, October 2, and will play host to North Carolina in ACC action on Friday, October 5, in the Tigers’ next action.

Clemson 2, Virginia 0

Clemson – Ara Amirkhanian (Manolo Sanchez) 27:19

Clemson – Austin Savage (Manolo Sanchez) 74:53

Shots:  Clemson 9, Virginia 11

Corner Kicks:  Clemson 4, Virginia 2

Saves:  Chris Glodack (CU) 2, Spencer LaCivita (V) 1

Fouls:  Clemson 18, Virginia 13

Attendance:  1,553