CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson improved to 2-0-0 on the season with a 2-0 victory over UAB in its home opener on Monday. The win extended the Tigers’ unbeaten streak at Historic Riggs Field to 18-consecutive matches.
The Tigers outshot UAB 22-5 and commanded possession throughout the match. The Clemson goalkeepers had to make just one save to secure the shutout and the offense managed 10 corner kicks to the Blazers’ four.
Clemson dominated the first half of play for the second time in their first two matches, outshooting the Blazers 12-1 in the opening 45 minutes. The Tigers have recorded double-digit shots in the first half of both of their matches this season.
Despite Clemson controlling the half, the ball did not find the back of the UAB net until the 45th minute when Justin Malou pounced on a rebound off the hands of UAB goalkeeper Caelan Whitehead and smashed it across the goal line.
Clemson carried that momentum into the second half, when in just the 50th minute Kimarni Smith tapped home a beautifully chipped cross from Charlie Asensio for the first goal of his 2020 campaign.
The Tiger defense kept UAB away from their net until the 77th minute when goalkeeper George Marks turned away an uncontested blast headed towards the bottom right corner of the net on a kick save that kept the shutout intact.
The remaining minutes of the match went by with little change to the pace of play and Clemson earned its first-ever shutout against UAB.
“I think we showed our potential tonight. I’m proud and happy that we won,” said Clemson Head Coach Mike Noonan. “I’m (also) proud and happy for Justin. He captained the team tonight and did a fantastic job.”
Clemson will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 9 in Chapel Hill, N.C., when they take on UNC in their ACC opener at 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU. For the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson men’s soccer, visit clemsontigers.com or follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter.
New look, same mission 😎#ClemsonUnited debuts their new jerseys this evening! See the new kits in action as the team takes on UAB by tuning into ACCN!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn pic.twitter.com/JLUdSZnzxq— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 5, 2020
New look, same mission 😎#ClemsonUnited debuts their new jerseys this evening! See the new kits in action as the team takes on UAB by tuning into ACCN!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn pic.twitter.com/JLUdSZnzxq
— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 5, 2020
Take a look at Justin Malou's goal that put us into the lead in the final minute of the first half!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn 📺 pic.twitter.com/czpenjlkdc— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 5, 2020
Take a look at Justin Malou's goal that put us into the lead in the final minute of the first half!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn 📺 pic.twitter.com/czpenjlkdc
"That's a team goal, Dalen. That is beautiful fútbol!"We couldn't agree more, @CharlieDavies9!Take a look at Kimarni Smith's first goal of the season to grow our lead to 2-0!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn 📺 pic.twitter.com/vSnaEgSsCt— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 5, 2020
"That's a team goal, Dalen. That is beautiful fútbol!"We couldn't agree more, @CharlieDavies9!
Take a look at Kimarni Smith's first goal of the season to grow our lead to 2-0!#ClemsonUnited x https://t.co/7gqUTwZtAn 📺 pic.twitter.com/vSnaEgSsCt
FINAL || #CLEMSONUNITED WINS!The Tigers earn a 2-0 victory over UAB on Monday night to extend the team's unbeaten streak at Historic Riggs Field to 18-consecutive matches! pic.twitter.com/EWyQLQHtX9— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 6, 2020
FINAL || #CLEMSONUNITED WINS!
The Tigers earn a 2-0 victory over UAB on Monday night to extend the team's unbeaten streak at Historic Riggs Field to 18-consecutive matches! pic.twitter.com/EWyQLQHtX9
— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) October 6, 2020
