Clemson, S.C. – The ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers dropped the 2023 season opener, 2-1, to the UCF Knights at Historic Riggs Field on Thursday night in front of a crowd of 4,090. UCF’s Emmanuel Bam netted the game-winner in the game’s 68’ to give the Knights the victory.
Clemson’s Joseph Andema made three saves on UCF’s five shots on goal on the night. The Tigers recorded three shots on goal, including two by Brandon Parrish, and were whistled for 26 fouls to UCF’s 10.
Ousmane Sylla opened the scoring for the Tigers with a penalty kick in the game’s first minute, the second fastest goal in program history (0:25). The Tigers had multiple chances in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize, before UCF’s Saku Heiskanen netted the equalizer in the 43’.
A game that started off as a very physical contest continued to be so into the second half, with Clemson’s Adam Lundegard being issued a red card in the 65’, resulting in the Tigers playing the rest of the match with 10 players. UCF grabbed the lead soon after, scoring the eventual game-winner in the 68’.
The Tigers return to the pitch on Monday, August 28, welcoming UNCW to Historic Riggs Field for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
