Clemson downs SU men’s soccer in ACC opener

A sea of orange filled the SU Soccer Stadium on a sunny Friday, as the No. 18 Clemson Tigers faced off against Syracuse in both teams’ ACC opener.

Both teams have won three of the last five NCAA men’s soccer national championships, so the scene was set for a marquee matchup in central New York. 

“That’s a good Clemson team,” said Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre on his unit’s performance. “I’m disappointed we didn’t take something from the game.”

The Tigers kept possession in the offensive zone for a majority of the first half, making it difficult for SU to do anything but defend. Clemson’s attack, led by midfielder Ransford Gyan, ranks top 20 in the sport. Gyan scored three goals in the Tigers’ last match against UCF.

“We asked permission to play an extra two players tonight,” McIntyre joked about the team’s game plan to stop Gyan. “He’s that good.”

The last Tigers hat trick before Gyan’s was Alex Meinhard in 2024 against Syracuse, when Clemson was ranked No. 3 in the nation. SU continued to stick with the “bend, not break” mentality, blocking Clemson’s first three shots and keeping out a large tally. 

As the clock kept ticking, neither squad could find the back of the net, with the ACC foes combining for two shots on goal in the first half.

The Orange have been scary in the offensive zone this season, with sophomores Bryson Rodriguez and Jordan Grey combining for 11 points in four games. In Friday’s contest, the Tigers kept the duo at bay: neither even got a shot off in their combined 112 minutes of play.

Even without the offensive firepower from Syracuse, the SU Soccer Stadium was still full of energy.

Otto’s Army brought flags, banged the walls and chanted in an attempt to get in the head of the Tigers players. A new tradition began during this match, as Syracuse host and reporter Sean Dorcellus hit the drum for the first-ever “’Cuse Clap,” a uniting tradition that has made waves across the world of soccer.

The match came to life after halftime. Syracuse began to utilize its transition play, giving them great opportunities to take the lead.

One golden chance came from Chimere Omeze in the 55th minute, who wasn’t able to finish on what was seemingly an open goal.

Clemson finally found their moment, as midfielder Cooper Hineline got a slick feed from Johannes Kack, evaded goalie Kyle Jansen and tapped in his fourth goal in as many matches.

The Orange failed to capitalize on its chances to score through the rest of the game. The final whistles sounded, marking a 1-0 loss for Syracuse. 

“We huffed and puffed, and just kind of ran out of time at the end,” McIntyre said. “You got to drag us off the field by the end of it.”

The loss brings Syracuse to 3-2 on the season and 0-1 in conference play, but the team has opportunities to get back to its winning ways shortly. The Orange will host 1-2 St. John’s on Wednesday.

In the aftermath of Friday’s loss, the team and coaching staff remains confident that this team will turn things around.

“We’ll get better because of our new guys, many of them that was their first ACC game,” McIntyre said. “Until you’re out there, it’s a different game.”