Late Goal Carries Clemson Over Men’s Soccer

Friday, October 4

Clemson, S.C.

7 PM

North Carolina

6-1-3, 3-1-0

Clemson

6-2-2, 3-2-0

North Carolina

Clemson

Photo by: Mikaela Carroll

October 4, 2024 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

CLEMSON, S.C. – A back-and-forth ending saw No. 24 Clemson (6-2-2, 3-2-0 ACC) defeat third-ranked North Carolina (6-1-3, 3-1-0 ACC) 3-2, at Riggs Field in Atlantic Coast Conference play Friday night.

How It Happened
• After a defensive battle to open the match, Martin Vician fought off a Tiger defender, sending a shot past the Clemson goalkeeper in the 23rd minute, giving Carolina a 1-0 lead.
• Less than 10 minutes later, Clemson's Joran Gerbet forced a shot into the upper right corner off a free kick, squaring the match at one-all.
• In the 68th minute, Clemson's Remi Okunlola was issued a red card, following a hard foul on Sam Williams.
• Just moments after, the Tigers' Mason Lamb's shot attempt was halted by Andrew Cordes.
• Ahmad Al-Qaq's shot from the top of the box in the 77th minute was saved by the Clemson goalkeeper.
• A foul inside the box called on Andrew Czech awarded Clemson a penalty kick in the 84th, as Gerbet sent the ensuing shot into the bottom right corner.
• With less than 4 minutes remaining, Al-Qaq was fouled inside the box, followed by a Sam Williams' penalty kick score to tie the match.
• Clemson's Antonio Illuminato scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute, off a pass from Wahabu Musah.

Inside The Numbers
• Friday was the 68th all-time meeting between the two schools.
• Vician's goal was his second of the year, leading the Tar Heels and third in the ACC.
• The Carolina defense limited Clemson to one shot attempt in the first half.
• Cordes made one stop on the night in goal.
• Matthew Acosta, Andrew Czech, Charlie Harper, Tate Johnson, Riley Thomas and Sam Williams played the full 90 in the field.

Up Next
• Carolina returns home for a non-conference matchup against College of Charleston Tuesday.
• Action from Chapel Hill begins at 7 PM, with the match airing on ACCNX.
• Tuesday's match is Community Heroes Night, with discounted tickets available for Chapel Hill area community heroes, as well as their friends and family.