Clemson Men’s Soccer to Play Host to In-state Rival South Carolina

Oct. 2, 2003

Clemson, SC — The Clemson men’s soccer team returns to action on Sunday afternoon as it plays host to in-state rival 18th-ranked South Carolina at 2 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field. The match will mark Clemson’s third “One Clemson, Solid Orange: It’s All About Pride” campaign. The first 500 fans will receive a free “Solid Orange” t-shirt. This year, Clemson is 2-0 in Solid Orange events, including a 1-0 overtime victory for the women’s soccer team and a 3-1 victory for the volleyball team.

The Tigers are coming off an emotional loss to Coastal Carolina, a 2-1 overtime thriller, in the finale of the Clemson/Nike Invitational. Clemson is led offensively by senior Paul Souders with two goals and four assists and senior Andre Borges with three goals and one assist. Junior Hunter Gilstrap has started in goal the past two matches, and has a 1.87 goals against average.

South Carolina enters with match with a 7-2 record on the season and a No. 18 national ranking. The Gamecocks began the season by winning their first seven matches before falling to Portland and Washington this weekend in the Husky Classic. South Carolina is led offensively by freshman Ayo Akinsete with six goals and two assists for 14 total points and sophomore Ryan Deter with five goals for ten total points. South Carolina’s defense is led by freshman goalkeeper Brad Guzan who owns a 0.78 goals against average with five shutouts.

Clemson leads the all-time series with South Carolina 19-10-1. Clemson also leads the series in matches played at Historic Riggs Field 10-6. Clemson is currently riding an eight match unbeaten streak against the Gamecocks. Since 1996, the Tigers hold a 7-0-1 record against South Carolina in those eight meetings. The temas last met in 2002 with Clemson claiming a 2-1 victory in Columbia.