Clemson defeats South Carolina 2-1 in overtime

Sept. 2, 2005

CLEMSON, SC-Clemson scored an own goal with 8:00 minutes left to go in the second overtime period as the Tigers defeated South Carolina 2-1 in a men’s intercollegiate soccer match at Clemson, SC Friday night.

It was the season opener for both teams.

Justin Moore sent a shot, off a free kick, from 23 yards out that bent to the left. A South Carolina defender Josh Alcala deflected the ball into the net and the goal was ruled an own goal to give Clemson a 2-1 victory.

South Carolina’s Mike Sambursky scored early in the second half to give South Carolina a 1-0 lead. Sambursky collected the rebound after Ayo Akinssete took a shot and Clemson goalkeeper Phil Marfuggi deflected the shot. Sambursky sent an 18-yard shot into the goal.

Clemson evened the score with :22 seconds left to go in regulartion. Havrid Usry crossed the ball to Jeff Routh. Routh headed the ball in the goal beating the South Carolina goalkeeper Mike Gustavson on the left side near the left post.

“This was a great game,” said Clemson Head Coach Trevor Adair. “I feel as if this was a championship game, and this was the first game of the season.

This team found a way to win. We still have a long way to go and we need to put away our chances. We defended well tonight. We defended well enough to win.”

The Tigers are now 34-4-1 in season opening games over the years.

Clemson will play host to Longwood on Tuesday, September 6, in the Tigers’ next action.

South Carolina 1, Clemson 0

USC-Mike Sambursky (Ayo Akinsete) 45:35

Clemson-Jeff Routh (Havrid Usry) 89:38

Clemson-Own Goal 102:00

Shots: Clemson 20, USC 13

Corner Kicks: Clemson 8, USC 3

Saves: Phil Marfuggi (CU) 3, Mike Gustavson (SC) 6

Fouls: Clemson 19, USC 24

Attendance: 4,420