The No. 2-seeded Clemson soccer team defeated the No. 15-seeded Louisville Cardinals on a rainy night at Historic Riggs Field.
In the opening round of the ACC Tournament, the Tigers (12-2-3) used three second half goals to propel them past the Cardinals on their home turf, two of those coming off of set pieces.
Midfielder Joran Gerbet described the intent for finishing off chances at halftime, when the score was tied at zeroes.
“I felt like after halftime, we just had to switch on more intensity and be more intent more regularly.”
And Gerbet had his chance. In the 47th minute, Tyler Trimnal was fouled in the box by a Louisville defender, giving Clemson the first golden opportunity of the game. Gerbet slid it a low strike and the Tigers struck first.
“[I] just tried to be cool and tried to be like cold-blooded,” he said about the penalty. “That’s it.”
A minute later, Louisville struck. TJ Kahoalii fired a bouncing strike on a half-volley that went past goalkeeper Patrick Donovan, and the game was level. Donovan made his first start to the season on Wednesday night, due to the injury of Joseph Andema.
Nine corners played a huge role in Clemson’s win tonight, which helped the team get its second goal. Midfielder Ransford Gyan put a cross to the head of Adam Lundegard, whose header was misdirected by Alex Meinhard and the ball was in the net.
Two minutes later, Remi Okunlola dribbled past several Louisville defenders and put a low, finessed shot into the left corner past Cardinals goalkeeper AJ Piela.
Keeping their composure was important for the Tigers as the Cardinals recorded 26 fouls on the Tigers. Six players received yellow cards in the contest.
Head coach Mike Noonan believed that it was due to the Cardinals’ status, who would have their season complete with a loss at Historic Riggs Field.
“Again, there’s in a desperation position because, as you can see, their season is over,” Noonan said. “You have to match that intensity, and that’s what we talked about at halftime.”
Donovan finished with five saves in the win for Clemson.
Next up, the Tigers will remain at home until Sunday, facing the winner of Stanford or Notre Dame, who they have both lost to this season, at Historic Riggs Field. The time has not been set yet.
