COLUMBIA, S.C. - The No. 16 Clemson Tigers got off six shots on goal but fell, 3-2, to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Friday night Palmetto Series matchup in Columbia. With the loss, Clemson dropped to 2-1 on the year, while South Carolina improved to 3-0.
Clemson opened up the first half by controlling possession and maintaining pressure in the attacking third. However, the Gamecocks shifted momentum, allowing them to find gaps in the Tigers’ backline that led to two goals within a 75 second span in the 23’ and 24’.
The Tigers responded before the end of the half with a late offensive push caused by sophomore Xander Sevian drawing a foul in USC’s box after a video automated review (VAR) in the 39’. Junior Ransford Gyan stepped up to take the penalty kick and cut the Gamecocks’ lead to 2-1.
South Carolina scored early in the second half after being awarded a PK off a handball in the 49’, to extend its advantage to 3-1. Clemson answered back just minutes later off a goal from sophomore Cooper Hineline who received the ball from junior Duncan Wilson at the 52’ mark.
Clemson continued to battle and put up eight shots in the final 30 minutes of play. In total, the Tigers outshot the Gamecocks, 18-13, and finished with an 11-2 corner kick advantage, but it was not enough as South Carolina took the 3-2 win in Columbia.
Up Next
The Tigers continue their road stretch with a match on Tuesday, Sept. 1 in Orlando, Fla. when they take on UCF at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.