The No. 9-seeded Clemson men’s soccer team defeated the Providence Friars on Sunday night at Historic Riggs Field to advance to the next round of the NCAA tournament.
Clemson United (15-2-4, 5-2-1 ACC) opened the match with aggressive play early, totaling four shots within the first 20 minutes. One of those chances was a Tyler Trimnal header that just missed the net. There were many more opportunities to come as the Tigers would work to keep pace and ultimately obtain a much-needed postseason victory.
In the closing minutes of the first period, with just over two minutes to play until the half, midfielder Misei Yoshizawa dribbled past the Friar defense and found freshman Wahabu Musah, who put a header into the back of the net.
Head coach Mike Noonan spoke on the freshman’s impact after the game.
“His first goal was terrific,” he said. “I mean, that was a classic near post flick to the back post … he shows that he can score in a lot of different ways.”
The second half would continue with a similar pace, as both teams found opportunities but were unable to convert on them, leaving the match at 1-0 in Clemson’s favor for most of the period. Clemson goalkeeper Patrick Donovan continued to step up, keeping the Friar’s offensive attack from scoring and commanding the defense in his role.
Clemson United would find the net for a second time in the 77th minute of the second half. Midfielder Antonio Illuminato found Musah for his second goal of the match and the sixth of his impressive freshman season.
Musah was able to follow up on his big night after the game.
“I am very proud of the way we played tonight, and we just need to focus on the next game,” he said.
The Tigers continued their defensive performance and kept Providence scoreless to hold their two-goal lead and advance to the third round of the tournament.
“The defense played exceptionally well, and we did what we had to do,” Noonan said.
Clemson United will next travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to face off against No. 8 Wake Forest on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
