The visiting Clemson Tigers upset the Wolfpack by means of a late goal this weekend, 1-0. The No. 13 ranked Pack was unable to manage a score and the Tigers capitalized on a rebound to score the game’s only goal.
Missed opportunities plagued both the Pack (11-4-1, 2-4-1 ACC) and the Clemson Tigers (4-10-1, 2-5 ACC) but the Tigers came away with the victory.
“We had our opportunities and sometimes we didn’t settle. We rushed shots,” junior midfielder Chris Zuerner said.
The play in the second half took on a much more physical style with both coaches getting upset at the referees for missing calls. The frustration peaked in the 72nd minute.
A confrontation erupted in front of the Clemson goal involving Clemson goalie Joseph Bendik and Pack junior defender Tyler Lassiter. The two players began to shove each other and the incident almost led to the benches clearing on both sides. Lassiter and Bendik were both issued red cards and ejected from the game, forcing both teams to play with 10 for he remainder of the game.
After the ejections, both teams seemed to play with a newfound urgency. With minutes left in the game, Clemson took a shot that was initially blocked by redshirt senior Chris Widman, but before the Wolfpack could clear the ball, Clemson’s Austin Savage got the rebound and scored the lone goal of the night.
“They put the ball in the box, when the ball gets played in the box so many times eventually they are going to get some shots,” Widman said. “It was a shot and a save but they finished up the rebound.”
State dominated the game in all aspects of the game except the score. The Pack led in total shots, corner kicks, and saves. Coach George Tarantini said he credited the Clemson team for capitalizing on its chances.
“Sure, we played hard and Clemson played hard and the difference between us and them is that they scored a goal and we didn’t,” coach George Tarantini said. “Soccer is a game of great chances, and if you don’t finish, the other team will.”
The soccer will return to Dail Soccer Field for the home season finale and senior night Tuesday night against Presbyterian College.
