CLEMSON, S.C. - The No. 3 Clemson Tigers (12-2-2, 6-1-1 ACC) defeated the No. 16 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-4-2, 5-3 ACC), 2-1, on Friday evening at Historic Riggs Field on senior night to close out the regular season. Overall, the Tigers outshot the Demon Deacons 20-10 during the 90’ showdown, while Gaizka Garcia recorded five saves on the night.
The Tigers and Demon Deacons remained in a deadlock 0-0 draw through the first 45’ of play. However, Clemson was not short of chances, finding 10 shots on goal, four of those coming from Duncan Wilson. Xander Sevian nearly put the Tigers ahead in the 27’ after a cross from Remi Okunlola found him just outside the six-yard box, yet the Wake Forest keeper found himself in perfect position to keep the Tigers off the score board.
In the 54’ the Tigers were able to take the lead after Ransford Gyan drew a foul within the 18-yard box, granting Clemson a penalty kick. Senior Mason Jimenez sunk the kick into the back of the net, putting the Tigers up 1-0.
Clemson continued to build off the offensive momentum and put the pressure on Wake Forest. On a potentially dangerous Wake Forest corner kick, the Tigers cleared the ball and freshman Mateo Tsakiris threaded a long pass through the Demon Deacon defense finding Gyan breaking through the line. Gyan doubled the Tiger’s lead, poking it past the Wake Forest keeper in the 65’.
The Demon Deacons found a second wind on the offensive end after VAR awarded the Demon Deacons a penalty kick in the 69’. Garcia stretched out to make the initial save, however, Wake Forest was there to pick up the rebound, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 2-1. It would not be enough though for Wake Forest, as Clemson held the Demon Deacons off for the remainder of the match, solidifying the win at home for the Tigers’ final regular season game.
Prior to the match, Clemson honored seven seniors in Martin Bakken, Breno Correia, Arthur Duquenne, Aleksa Janjic, Mason Jimenez, Matthias Leib and Remi Okunlola for their contributions to the Clemson United program.
Up Next
The first round of the ACC Tournament is set for Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Historic Riggs Field. Clemson will await opponent designations and match timing that will be announced following the conclusion of regular-season matches later tonight.