Men’s Soccer Falls To Duke

Sept. 17, 2000

DURHAM, N.C.–The #10 ranked Clemson men’s soccer team lost their second match in three games and dropped their second straight ACC match, as they were defeated 3-2 by the Duke Blue Devils today September 17, in Durham, NC.

Clemson falls to 3-2 overall and drops to 0-2 in the ACC for the first time since the 1989 season when the Tigers started the ACC season 0-2-1 before recording a victory. Duke improves to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the ACC, after starting the season 0-2.

The Blue Devils took control from the start, attacking as usual down the wings with Ali Curtis’ speed and throughout the middle with midfield general Trevor Perea. The first goal saw Curtis break away from two Clemson defenders on the left side and be tackled from behind just outside the penalty box. Freshman Jordan Cila stepped up to coolly place a shot in the upper right corner of Clemson’s goal. The goal was Cila’s fifth on the year in only six games and his presence in the Blue Devil attack has been instrumental to Duke’s high scoring tandem of him and Curtis.

Eleven minutes later, Curtis added his fourth goal on the week and his seventh on the season, which tied him for third on Duke’s career goal scoring list with current MLS rookie of the year Jay Heaps (45). Scored in classic Curtis style, the 1999 Hermann Award winner used his speed to pass through the midfield and although being held back by a Clemson defender holding his shirt, Curtis weaved his way through two defenders and a goalkeeper to score the unassisted goal. Just before the half, Clemson pulled some momentum its way as US Under-17 National Team defender Oguchi Onyewu found space on the right side and Fabio Tambosi finished for the 2-1 halftime score.

In the 56th minute, Russell’s cross off a corner kick from the right side found Scott Noble on the far post for a headed goal. It was Noble’s second on the year and the eventual winner. Clemson added another goal with five minutes remaining to make it close, but Duke held on for its first ACC win of the year and its seventh consecutive home ACC victory.

Clemson will return to action this Wednesday, September 20, when they will play host to Charleston Southern at 7:00 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field.

Team        1   2       TotClemson     1   1       2Duke        2   1       3

Shots: CU 10, DU 16 Corner Kicks: CU 1, DU 6 Fouls: CU 17, DU 25 Offsides: CU 2, DU 1 Saves: CU (Doug Warren 7), DU (Jeff Haywood 7) Cards: CU Andre Borges (yellow, 74:32), DU Robert Russell (yellow, 9:55), Ryan Furgurson (yellow, 32:45), Ali Curtis (yellow, 58:06), Jeff Haywood (yellow, 83:58), Duke Goals: Jordan Cila (unassisted on 20-yard direct kick, 6:28), Ali Curtis (unassisted, 15:05), Scott Noble (Russell, 56:45) Clemson Goals: Oguchi Onyewu, 42:37), Pablo Webster (unassisted off 20-yard direct kick, 83:59) Attendance: 1987