CARY, NC – No. 18 Clemson fell 2-0 in the ACC championship game to No. 3 and No. 2 Syracuse on Sunday at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game marked Clemson’s third appearance in the conference title game in the last four seasons, and fifth during Mike Noonan’s 13-year tenure, the most of any school in that span.
The Tigers’ run to the ACC Championship game was historic. As the 8th seed, they became the lowest seed ever to advance to the finals. On the way to Cary, Clemson knocked off Notre Dame, Duke and Wake Forest.
The Orange broke through in the 21st minute when a loose ball found its way to Lorenzo Boselli, who converted the chance. In the 38th minute, Syracuse launched a counterattack after a failed Clemson set shot, and it went past Giona Leibold in the goal. He drilled the ball past Joseph Andema to double Syracuse’s lead.
The second half saw a motivated Clemson team put early pressure on the Orange defense. In the 50th minute, Joey Skinner found space in the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by Russell Shealy. Alvaro Gomez later hit a beautiful volley that looked destined for the net, but Shealy again came up big to stop.
Clemson won eight corners, as well as several free throws in dangerous territory, but ultimately was never able to capitalize.
Next time, The Tigers await their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is Monday, November 14 at 1 p.m. It will be streamed live on NCAA.com. If the Tigers are selected, it will be their 35th appearance and fourth consecutive selection.
For all the most up-to-date information on Clemson men’s soccer, please visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.
