Wofford Defeats Clemson 3-1 in Men’s Soccer Exhibition in Regulation

CLEMSON, SC – Wofford defeated Clemson 3-1 in a men’s soccer exhibition match at Clemson, SC Saturday night in regulation at Historic Riggs Field.  However, in a prior agreement between the two teams, two periods of overtime were played and the Tigers scored two goals in the second overtime period to even the score 3-3.

Wofford scored first in the 50th minute of play as Forrest Lasso scored off of a corner kick.  Lasso was assisted on the play by Nestor Jaramillo and Connor Davis.  The Terriers went ahead 2-0 in the 47th minute of play as Billy Padula threw the ball in from the right sidelines.  Dennis Moore headed the ball into the right wall of the netting after a diagonal shot from 12 yards out near the left post to put Wofford ahead 2-0.

Clemson scored in the 53rd minute of play.  Off of a corner kick by TJ Casner, the ball was deflected back to Casner.  He again lifted the ball in front of the goal and Austin Savage headed the ball in the goal just outside the goalie box.

Wofford scored again at the 71:12 mark in the match.  From the right flank Kevin Hady crossed the ball in the air.  Ethan Miller knocked the ball in from six yards out  to give the Terriers a 3-1 advantage.

Clemson scored twice in the second overtime period.  Paul Clowes scored in the 101st minute as he drove down the middle and sent an eight-yard shot into the back of the netting.

In the 108th minute Preston Gayton curved a free kick into the left corner of the goal from 28 yards out to even the score 3-3.

The two teams also played a shootout of penalty kicks.  Clemson won this round 5-2.

“I was happy with the first group in the first half,” said Clemson Head Coach Mike Noonan.  “We got to play a lot of people in different situations tonight.  This is how exhibitions games help us.  They help us determine lineups and who can play at what positions.  We are a fit team, but we are getting better being a match-fit team.  We have a lot of competition for different spots on our team.

“I think our creativity and crispness in passing is improving,” said Noonan.  “Going forward we are improving and we have a promising future.”

Clemson will open the 2012 season next Friday night as the Tigers play host to USC Upstate at 7:00 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field.

Wofford 3, Clemson 3 (including the overtime periods)

Wofford – Forrest Lasso (Nestor Jaramillo, Connor Davis) 49:22Wofford – Dennis Moore (Billy Padula) 46:32Clemson – Austin Savage (TJ Casner) 52:07Wofford – Ethan Miller (Kevin Hady) 71:12Clemson – Paul Clowes (Unassisted) 100:33Clemson – Preston Gayton (Unassisted) 107:49

Shots:  Clemson 19, Wofford 12Corner Kicks: Clemson 10, Wofford 6Saves:  Cody Mizell (CU) 0, Andrew Tarbell (CU) 0 Andrew Drennan (W) 6, Ben Bruggeworth (W) 0Attendance: 2,109