CLEMSON SOCCER

Clemson defeated South Carolina 2-1 (Photo courtesty of clemsontigers.com)
Clemson defeated South Carolina 2-1 (Photo courtesty of clemsontigers.com)

No. 3 Clemson tops No. 24 South Carolina


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COLUMBIA, S.C. - Through the first ten minutes at Stone Stadium, the Tigers and Gamecocks looked to settle into the first match of the season for both sides. The first breakthrough of the came from senior Austen Burnikel, who capitalized on a miscue by a Gamecock defender in their own box. Just four minutes later, the Gamecocks found themselves a fortune goal on a ball that looked to be cleared off the goal line was ruled a goal. Senior Aaron Jones put the Tigers back on top when he put away a free kick in the bottom left corner from 30 yards out, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead going into the half.

Early in the second half, the Gamecocks looked to be threatening, but sophomore goalkeeper Ximo Miralles provided two quality saves to keep the score at 2-1 in favor of the Tigers. As play began to pick up, the Gamecocks picked up two quick yellow cards in two minutes. Miralles continued to make great saves as South Carolina continued to press, giving the Tigers what they needed for a 2-1 victory over rival South Carolina to start the 2016 season.

In the match, Clemson took six shots, three in both halves. Miralles recorded four total saves in his first collegiate soccer match.

With tonight's win, Clemson marked the first point in this year's Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series.

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