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UNC Greensboro

Ethan Conley
Carlos Morales
2
Winner UNC Greensboro UNCG (9-1-3, 2-0-0)
1
Clemson CLEM (8-3-1, 2-2-1)
Winner
UNC Greensboro UNCG
(9-1-3, 2-0-0)
2
Final
1
Clemson CLEM
(8-3-1, 2-2-1)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
UNC Greensboro UNCG 1 1 2
Clemson CLEM 0 1 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Denise Archetto, Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications

Spartans’ Lights Out Performance Tops Tigers

CLEMSON, S.C. – For the second-straight year, the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team outsmarted Clemson with an upset in non-conference play. The 2-1 victory came with the Spartans ranking No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches national poll and the Tigers marked No. 18.

This is the second Atlantic Coast Conference and ranked match for UNCG, as it now has a 1-0-1 mark against the ACC. The Spartans previously tied then-ranked No. 15 Louisville, 1-1.
 
From Head Coach Chris Rich on the game tonight
"Tonight was a great performance against a top Clemson team. We showed great intensity in both penalty boxes, and I believe that was the difference tonight. Anytime you go on the road against a top team like Clemson, you're going to have to defend for stretches, so I'm very pleased with our collective commitment to defending. We were also very good in possession, scoring two great goals. So happy for both Marco and Ethan, especially for Ethan as we've been challenging him to get to those spots. Great first career goal for him!"

How it Happened:
The first half was a high tempo as both top-25 teams settled in for a defensive battle. UNCG had the first corner kick of the game, but it sailed long and was cleared by Clemson. The Spartans' backline executed early on fending off a free kick from the Tigers just outside the 18-yard box in the eighth minute of play.

Play was constituted from end-to-end all frame with lots of back-and-forth and not one team having possession long. The Spartans' Basile Marc had the first shot on goal of the game, which was saved by Joseph Andema in the 26th minute of play. Clemson had its own shot on goal in the 34th minute, as Niclas Wild was outstretched for the diving stop.
Just four minutes later, Sami Lachekar moved play forward into the Spartans' attacking third with a through ball to Ethan Conley on the right flank. Conley crossed the ball into the box and it found the head of a Clemson defender, but J.C. Ngando was there to lead Marco Afonso to net for a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute. UNCG held a 4-3 shot advantage at the conclusion of the first half.

Clemson's offense meant business in the second half, totaling six shots to UNCG's one. One of the the Tigers' opportunities included Nathan Richmond setting up a give-and-go situation for Ousmane Sylla inside of the 18-yard box. Sylla curved the ball inside the front right post in the 52nd minute for the equalizer.

Ten minutes later, Marco Afonso took the ball down the left channel sending it to a charging Basile Marc. Marc crossed the ball into the six-yard box for a crashing Conley, who redirected the ball sending it under the crossbar for the eventual game-winning goal, 2-1. With 15 minutes remaining, the lights went out at the Historic Riggs Field, but flickered back on about a minute later. Play picked up with 10 minutes remaining, as Clemson tried to produce some offense, but UNCG held on for the win.  

By the Number:
  • Afonso scored his fourth goal and fifth assist of the of the season.
  • Ngando tallied his 10th helper of the season.
  • Conley recorded his first-career goal and game winner.
  • Marc registered his second assist of the season.
  • Clemson outshot UNCG 9-5
  • The Tigers had nine corners compared to the Spartans' two.
  • This was the 11th meeting between the two teams, with Clemson holding the all-time series 8-3.
  • This is the second-straight win for the Spartans' against the Tigers.
From Head Coach Chris Rich
"This is obviously a great win against a top-10 RPI team, which is super important, but it's just another step in our process. We'll enjoy this one tonight, but will have to quickly shift our focus to ETSU.

"We had great support from many of our alums, as well as Brian Mackin, Mike Roach, and Jody Smith tonight. We are so grateful they made the trip down to Clemson."

Records:
UNCG: 9-1-3, 2-0-0 SoCon
Clemson: 8-3-1, 2-2-1 ACC

Up Next:
The Spartans return to play on Saturday, October 15 for its final regular season home match, hosting ETSU for senior night during UNCG's Homecoming Week and Title IX Celebration Week. UNCG and the Buccaneers will face off at 7 p.m. at UNCG Soccer Stadium.

Check out UNCG Athletics Homecoming schedule here

 
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