The No. 2-seeded Clemson men’s soccer team defeated the No. 11-seeded Cal Golden Bears by a score of 3-2 on Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
With the win, the Tigers will advance to their fifth ACC championship game in the last six seasons. Despite the Golden Bears coming back from a 2-0 deficit, freshman Ransford Gyan fired the game-winning goal in the second half to send the team to the final.
The Tigers took the lead early in the fifth minute of the first half. Outstanding freshman forward Wahabu Musah received a pass and sent a shot that was deflected by the Cal goalkeeper, only to land at the feet of forward Tyler Trimnal, who would score the tap-in. Clemson was up early.
The Tigers were just getting started. Forward Alex Meinhard would provide them with another goal as he showcased his footwork and sent a shot straight to the left side of the net to give his team a comfortable 2-0 advantage to end the first half.
The Clemson United defense stood its ground and held the Golden Bears scoreless while also posting six corner kicks and attacking every chance they could.
The second half would prove to be more competitive as Cal would find the net first in the 50th minute. Forward Malcolm Zalayet was able to dribble past the Tiger defense and cut the deficit to one score, making it a game. Then, just minutes later, the Golden Bears would strike again in the 62nd minute to tie the match. Midfielder Adrian Jacobs would score the equalizing goal for Cal.
Despite the equalizing goal, in the 65th minute, Musah led the charge once again, finding a cutting Gyan. The freshman showcased his footwork, utilizing a spin move to make his way past the Cal defense and send a shot right over the head of Cal goalkeeper Marco Brougher and boost the Tigers to a 3-2 lead.
Clemson United would then hold off Cal’s final attacks as goalkeeper Patrick Donovan continued his impressive run, saving a Cal attempt in the 86th minute. He finished the night with two saves.
This would seal the Golden Bears’ fate and give Clemson United its third straight win and a shot at winning its second consecutive ACC title.
Clemson United will face off against the No. 5-seeded Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the ACC Championship, whom they defeated 1-0 earlier this season.
The game will be played on Sunday at noon at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
