CLEMSON, S.C. — Four members of Clemson’s National Championship team were named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Top 100 players of 2021, while one was named to the Top 100 Freshmen list. Seniors Oskar Ågren (No. 3), George Marks (No. 32), Justin Malou (No. 42) and Charlie Asensio (No. 98) all represented the Tigers in the Top 100, while Elton Chifamba (No. 69) was the lone National Champion named to the freshmen list.
Ågren has been filling up his trophy case all season, and will be looking for one more on January 7 when the MAC Hermann Trophy winner will be announced. He is one of three finalists for the award that recognizes College Soccer’s best player. Ågren scored five goals whilst leading the Tigers’ back line this season, and also added an assist on the National Championship’s game-winning goal. He was Clemson’s lone All-American (Second Team).
Marks earned the College Cup Defensive MVP Award en route to the National Championship. His incredible season saw him rise up Clemson’s goalkeeper leaderboard, finishing the year third in career solo-shutouts (21) and third in wins (47). He is undoubtedly one of the best to ever wear the Clemson keeper kit.
Malou was drafted into the MLS last season before choosing to return to Clemson for one last ride. He was steady throughout the 2021 campaign from the right-back position, and converted the game-clinching penalty kick in the shootout against Notre Dame in the College Cup semifinal. His 87 career appearances is just one shy of Clemson’s all-time record, shared by Jaro Zawislan, Eric Eichmann and Jimmy Glenn.
Asensio was a four-year starter for Clemson, appearing in 82 career games at the left-back position. He contributed the assist on Isaiah Reid’s second goal in the National Championship match, pushing his season total to five and career total to eight. He plays a key role both defensively and in the counter-attack.
Chifamba made an immediate impact on the National Championship team in his first season playing collegiate soccer. He appeared in 20 games and recorded two assists while holding down the midfield in meaningful minutes all year. The Ohio native projects to play a massive role in Clemson United’s future.
For the full Top-100 lists, click HERE. For the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson men’s soccer, visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
