Boston College Defeats Clemson, 2-0

Oct. 10, 2009

NEWTON, Mass.– Freshman Kevin Mejia converted a first-half penalty kick and classmate Charlie Rugg redirected a direct kick late in the match to lift Boston College to a 2-0 ACC men’s soccer victory over Clemson at Newton, MA Friday night.

Mejia gave BC the early lead with a successful penalty kick at 19:32. Senior Mor Avi Hanan’s direct kick from 25 yards out was saved by Clemson keeper Joseph Bendik, but a scramble for the rebound resulted in the Tiger foul in the box.

The score remained the same until a late Clemson foul (86:42) just outside the box gave the Eagles the opportunity for a set play. Freshman Kyle Bekker’s kick from 20 yards right along the end line found Rugg in front. Rugg’s right foot redirected the ball from six yards out into the back of the net.

Boston College is 6-6 overall and 2-2 in the ACC. Clemson falls to 2-7-1 overall and 1-3 in league play.

Clemson recorded six of its seven shots in the final 45 minutes. Clemson senior Greg Eckhardt’s header sailed wide in the 59th minute. Senior Nathan Thornton’s blast from 25 yards out on the right side went wide to the far side in the 78th minute. Another Eckhardt header – this time from in the box – went wide right with 16:50 to play.

BC freshman goalkeeper Justin Luthy made one save to earn his sixth win of the season. Clemson senior Joseph Bendik stopped seven shots. Clemson also had one team save.

Clemson will play host to Maryland on Friday, October 16, in the Tigers¹ next action.

Boston College 2, Clemson 0

Scoring BC – Kevin Mejia (Penalty Kick) 19:32 BC – Charlie Rugg (Kyle Bekker) 86:42

Shots: Clemson 7, Boston College 23 Corner Kicks: Clemson 4, Boston College 5 Saves: Joseph Bendik (CU) 7, Justin Luthy (BC) 1 Fouls: Clemson 10, Boston College 17 Attendance: 358