As classes begin in Tigertown, soccer season has arrived for both the men’s and women’s teams. After rebuilding seasons a year ago for both squads which saw the teams go a combined 19-18-1, 2019 has gotten off to a great start. Both teams have cruised in the early stages of the season with a combined record of 7-0-1. While the schedules for both teams will only get harder as the season progresses, the Tigers couldn’t have asked for better starts from the two squads.
The men kicked off their season with a thrilling 4-1 win over rival South Carolina Gamecocks. Earlier in the preseason, the Tigers defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 3-1. While the preseason matchup was merely an exhibition, it likely boosted the confidence of the Tiger team that has struggled mightily against the Chanticleers in recent years. After dismantling Detroit Mercy by a score of 8-0, Clemson will have one more out-of-conference matchup before ACC play kicks off against Notre Dame on September 13th. With nine ACC teams ranked within the top 25, the true test for the Tigers will come once their ACC schedule begins. Led by veterans Tanner Dieterich, Malick Mbaye, and Kimarni Smith, Clemson will look to improve upon their 2-6 ACC record a season ago. They will also look to gain a birth in the NCAA tournament after missing out last year for the first time in five seasons. The men will take on USC-Upstate in their next match on Monday September 9th at 7 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field.
The women’s soccer team is currently ranked No. 19 in the nation coming off a 4-0-1 start to the season. The Tigers have three more out-of-conference games before their ACC schedule begins against Notre Dame on September 20th. The Tigers certainly have September 15th circled on their calendars as they will take on the No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks at Historic Riggs Field. After losses to their rival in three straight seasons, Clemson will look to get revenge on the Gamecocks in front of their home fans. Like the men’s team, the women face a treacherous ACC slate with eight ACC squads ranked in the top 25. The Tigers fared well in the ACC last year with a 6-4 record, and if they are able to replicate or even improve upon that mark, they will likely find themselves back in the NCAA tournament for a sixth straight season. The Tigers are led by Mariana Speckmaier, their top goalscorer from a season ago. With an influx of young talent, including freshman goalkeeper Hannah McLaughlin, who has conceded a single goal so far this season, Clemson is primed to make some noise in a stacked ACC conference. The Tigers will play their next game against Georgia at 6 p.m. on Sunday September 8th at Historic Riggs Field.
