Marks Shines as Tigers Defeat Wolfpack 2-0 in ACC Opener

Marks Shines as Tigers Defeat Wolfpack 2-0 in ACC Opener

RALEIGH, N.C. — Behind a brilliant performance by goalkeeper George Marks, the Clemson Tigers advanced to 5-0 on the season, defeating the N.C. State Wolfpack 2-0 on Friday night in Raleigh. In total, Marks notched a season-high six total saves in the match and earned his 35th win and 16th solo-shutout, good for fourth and seventh on Clemson’s all-time leaderboards, respectively.

Oskar Agren opened the scoring on what happened to be the junior defender’s birthday, tapping in the rebound off a deflected Hamady Diop free kick. The goal marked his third of the year, each coming in some capacity off a set piece.

Second half is underway! Here's the moment that gave Clemson the 1-0 advantage.

📺https://t.co/nbaK4U13w6
📊https://t.co/2JexdAVvO9#ClemsonUnited🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/KlAYLuboxq

— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) September 11, 2021

Marks was called upon to hold the Tigers lead with five minutes remaining in the first frame, and the fourth all-time wins leader in Clemson history was up to the task. 

Marks was once again tested early in the second half, when Enrique Santos found room to get a right-footed shot off, but a diving Marks turned away what was ultimately the best chance at the equalizer the Wolfpack created all match. 

George. Marks. Again.

🗣️𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓗𝓪𝓲𝓵 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓖𝓮𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓮👑🙌

1-0 Tigers with 35 minutes remaining.

📺https://t.co/nbaK4U13w6
📊https://t.co/2JexdAVvO9#ClemsonUnited🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/ahm5wBg3BN

— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) September 11, 2021

With 19 minutes remaining, Isaiah Reid knocked in his fourth of the season off a cross from John Martin to extend the lead to 2-0, which proved more than enough for George Marks and the stout Tiger defense. 

Up next, the Tigers return home to take on Georgia Southern on Tuesday at Historic Riggs Field. Kickoff for that match is set for 7 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on ACCNX.