Box Score
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Clemson men’s soccer team (2-1, 0-1 ACC) fell to the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0, 2-0 ACC) via a 1-0 result Friday night. The Tar Heels’ goal came in the closing seconds of the match via a header off of a free-kick opportunity.
“I thought it was a good game and that we competed well. North Carolina is a good team and we have to give them credit,” said head coach Mike Noonan. “I was proud of our guys and they showed good grit. We’ll be a better team as a result of this.”
The opening 45 minutes of play saw both sides battled for control, as the two teams spent a majority of the half within the midfield of Dorrance Field. Kimarni Smith recorded Clemson’s best attempt on net in the 27th minute via a stealthy run between a pair of North Carolina defenders.
The second half of play saw a continued struggle for the ball as both teams fought hard for the deciding score.
North Carolina was awarded a free-kick from 25 yards out with five seconds remaining in regulation. After the ball was delivered into the box, Fillipo Zattarin headed home the deciding goal with one second on the clock.
Charlie Asensio and Quinn McNeill earned their 40th and 20th career starts, respectively, by being named to tonight’s starting eleven. A total of 16 players saw action for the Tigers during the match. George Marks played 90 minutes in goal.
Clemson will now shift its focus to Wake Forest, as the Tigers are set to host the Demon Deacons at Historic Riggs Field on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Wake Forest is currently ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches national poll.
Be sure to follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter for all of the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson’s men’s soccer team.
Photo credit to Jeffrey A. Camarati, UNC Athletics – Director of Photography
