The No. 1-ranked Clemson men’s soccer team continued its streak of dominance in Columbia on Friday night.   

Fueled by a late goal from midfielder Alvaro Gomez and a shutdown performance from Trevor Manion in goal, the Tigers came away with a 1-0 victory over in-state rival South Carolina.   

The game was decided fifteen minutes into the second half when Gomez and forward Ousmane Sylla converted on a give-and-go from a corner kick. With the assist, Sylla extended his point streak to three games.

South Carolina spent the rest of the match searching for an answer, but Clemson’s defense helped keep Manion’s sheet clean for the first time in his career as a starter.

The Tigers managed to secure the victory despite an absence from head coach Mike Noonan, who missed the match due to an illness. 

“We are very proud of the team to come away with another win in the rivalry, Noonan said. “South Carolina is much improved but we know that our performance must continue to improve to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves. I am thankful that I have such an amazing coaching staff who prepared and coached the team so well tonight.”  

With Friday’s win, Clemson is now 3-0 on the 2022 season. 

Friday’s game also marked Clemson’s ninth consecutive victory over South Carolina. The Gamecocks have not managed to score on the Tigers since 2019. 

The Tigers will return home on Monday, Sept. 5 to take on UNC Asheville at Historic Riggs Field. The match will begin at 6 p.m. EDT.  

— Information from Clemson Athletics Communications contributed to this report.