Clemson starts off their 2020 season strong with a dominating 3-0 win against the long time rivals University of South Carolina. Going into the game, Clemson carried a six game winning streak in the Palmetto Series. Head coach Mike Noonan and the boys headed down to the state capital to play the Gamecocks on Oct. 1 and they meant business.

It was surprising to see that the electric sophomore, Phillip Mayaka, did not make an appearance in the rivalry match. Still, Clemson managed to start the game off strong, scoring early and often in the first half. Just 13 minutes into the game, Grayson Barber found Mohamed Seye for a nice header off the crossbar and into the back of  the net. The Tigers kept the momentum going with Callum Johnson capitalizing off of a penalty kick and scoring another goal three minutes after Seye’s goal.
Clemson’s defense controlled the first half, as they only allowed one shot on goal and only two total shots. An early one on one gave South Carolina a golden opportunity to put some points on the board, but they could not execute. George Marks, Clemson’s all-ACC goalkeeper, had himself a very nice showing in the first half. However, after a nice save, he appeared injured and was taken off the field towards the end of the first half. 

Mohamed Seye scored another goal for the Tigers 46 minutes into the game, this time off an assist by Luis Felipe Fernandez Salvador. Clemson’s defense held the shutout, as Marks and Fisher combined for the clean sheet. The second half of the game proved to be pretty slow, as Clemson’s defense maintained control during most of the game. 

Clemson outshot the Gamecocks 26-8, and had 12 shots on goal. Clemson’s offense shined early and defense carried the team late in the game. All around, it was a great performance for the Tigers. Clemson left Columbia with a 3-0 win and bragging rights for the seventh straight year.