Clemson Upsets Number-8 Virginia 1-0 In Men’s Soccer

Sept. 26, 2009

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA-Mike Mattson scored a goal late in the first half in leading Clemson to a 1-0 victory over eighth-ranked Virginia in an Atlantic Coast Soccer match at Charlottesville, VA Saturday night.

With the win, Clemson improves to 1-5-1 overall and 1-2 in the ACC. Virginia falls to 5-2 overall and 1-2 in league play. The Cavaliers are ranked eighth by College Soccer News, 11th by the NSCAA, and 13th by Soccer America in the latest rankings.

In the 41st minute, Connor Barbaree sent a free kick into the box to Mattson. Mattson headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the netting for his second goal of the season.

This marked the first Clemson win over Virginia in Charlottesville, VA since October 16, 1999. It was also only the second win over the Cavaliers at Charlottesville, VA since October 10, 1993, when the Tigers’ Jimmy Glenn scored the game-winner with one second left to go in regulation in Clemson’s 2-1 victory that year.

Virginia outshot the Tigers 16-7 and had seven corner kicks compared to the Tigers’ 4. Clemson’s goalkeeper Joseph Bendik had three saves in the victory.

“I’m very proud of this team,” said Clemson Head Coach Phil Hindson. “We have dealt with adversity and this wins shows resolve that we are not going to give up. Hopefully this will kick start our season and help us in the remainder of the year. If we can beat Virginia on their field, we can play with anybody as Virginia is one of the best teams in the nation. I could not be prouder.”

Clemson will play host to Georgia Southern on Tuesday, September 29, at Historic Riggs Field in the Tigers’ next action. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m.

Clemson 1, Virginia 0

Clemson-Mike Mattson (Connor Barbaree) 40:44 Shots: Clemson 7, Virginia 16 Corner Kicks: Clemson 4, Virginia 7 Saves: Joseph Bendik 3, Diego Restrepo 2 Fouls: Clemson 17, Virginia 7 Attendance: 812