CLEMSON, S.C. - The No. 17 Clemson Tigers dropped a stalemate matchup in the 88’ of play as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish found the back of the net late in the game to take the 1-0 win in ACC action on Friday night at Historic Riggs Field. With the loss, Clemson dropped to 4-2 (1-1 ACC), while Notre Dame improved to 3-1-2, (1-0 ACC).
The Tigers outshot the Fighting Irish, 15-12, but weren’t able to capitalize. Cooper Hineline, Johannes Kack and Mason Jimenez led the shot attempts with four, three and two, respectively. Clemson also had 10 corner kicks compared to Notre Dame’s four. The game served as one of Clemson’s “Operation 6K” matches and drew a crowd of 6,143 fans to mark the fifth-largest crowd at Historic Riggs Field since the 2022 season.
The Tigers and Fighting Irish remained at a 0-0 standstill through the first 45’ with both teams tallying four shots on goal. Notre Dame recorded the first three shots of the match with a strong offensive presence early in the Tigers’ half. Clemson’s most promising look of the half came from a header off of Hineline that bounced directly off the goal post after a strong serve from senior Remi Okunlola 16’ into the game.
Clemson had various chances in the second half, putting 11 shots on net and recording seven corners. However, the Fighting Irish were able to break through Clemson's back line in the 88’, giving Notre Dame a late 1-0 lead.
Clemson looked to battle back in the final minute as Jimenez was on the receiving end of a corner-kick cross from Okunlola, but Notre Dame’s keeper was in position to scoop it up for the Fighting Irish, handing the Tigers their first ACC loss of the year.
Up Next
Clemson returns to Historic Riggs Field on Tuesday, Sept. 15 for a non-conference matchup against North Florida. Action is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on ACCNX, and fans can purchase tickets to watch the game live by using this link.