Second-Half Goals Push No. 7 Tigers Past Orange

Saturday, October 21

7 pm

Syracuse University

6-8-2, 0-6-1

Clemson

11-3-0, 4-3-0

Clemson

Syracuse

Photo by: Greg Wall

10/21/2017 10:27:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Cuse TV: Highlights Cuse TV: Ian McIntyre Press Conference Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse took an early lead but No. 7/7 Clemson scored twice in the final 20 minutes to record a 2-1 victory at the SU Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 21.

"I thought we played very well against a team that has some dynamic attacking pieces," said Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre. "I thought our back three were outstanding. They got some support from our wing backs. Certainly, we left it all out there tonight. Unfortunately, we were a little bit short."

HOW IT WAS DECIDED
The Orange (6-8-2, 0-6-1) took the lead in the seventh minute. Freshman Tajon Buchanan brought the ball down the left side of the field and sent a cross to the far post to junior Johannes Pieles. Pieles took the ball in the air and volleyed into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season, which tie him for the team lead.

That was the only shot Syracuse recorded in the first half. Clemson (11-3-0, 4-3-0) had six shots in the first 45 minutes, but Orange goalkeeper Hendrik Hilpert made five saves to keep the Tigers off the scoreboard.

Syracuse held on to the lead until the 75th minute when Clemson's leading scorer Diego Campos scored on an assist from Kimarni Smith. The game-winner came in the 80th minute. The Orange turned it over and Smith gained possession and passed the ball forward to Oliver Shannon. Shannon took two touches and fought off a Syracuse defender before firing a shot from 20 yards out into the left corner of the net.

OF NOTE
Hilpert tied his career high with six saves in the match. It marked the third time in his career and second this season that he has posted six saves in a game.

Pieles' goal gives him a team-leading 14 points this season. That total is a career high, as are his five goals.

Saturday's game was the final regular-season home game for the Orange. Seniors Mamadou Balde (Corona, N.Y.) and Pat Castle (Schuylerville, N.Y.) were honored in a pregame ceremony.

UP NEXT
Syracuse closes out the regular season on Friday, Oct. 27 at No. 2/3 Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C.