For the second time this season, South Carolina men's soccer was defeated by Clemson, falling 2-1 in overtime in Round Two of the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina came out in the opening minutes looking to make a statement, as they maintained possession control for the first 15 minutes of play. The Gamecocks registered five shots and two corner kicks in that time period.
The Gamecocks continued to test Clemson’s defense in the 28th minute as Danny Deakin took the ball from half-field, weaved his way through a couple of defenders and took a shot on goal, forcing Clemson keeper Ximo Miralles to make a diving stop.
As the first half continued, however, Clemson generated its fair share of opportunities.
During the last 10 minutes of the half, Clemson controlled the majority of the possessions, recording two shots and five corner kicks.
After a scoreless first half, the shot count favored the Gamecocks 7-6.
The scoring drought finally ended in the 72nd minute. South Carolina strung together a series of passes, testing Clemson’s defense. It looked as though the threat was over when senior Ive Burnett played a ball over the top of the defense. The ball took a fortunate bounce off the shin of a defender and ended up in the back of the net. The goal granted South Carolina a 1-0 advantage.
South Carolina attempted to slow down the tempo of play to secure their lead. However, in the 85th minute, Clemson played a through ball past the Gamecock defense. The ball was crossed back into the middle and slotted in the upper part of the goal by Alex Happi, tying the score 1-1.
Clemson looked to capitalize on its momentum in the final five minutes. As the time in regulation expired, Aaron Jones hit a free kick wide. The score was 1-1 heading into overtime.
Overtime began with the pressure still on the Gamecock defense. In the 92nd minute, South Carolina tried to play a corner kick out, but the ball ended up on the feet of Happi, who then volleyed the ball into the back of the net.
Happi's goal effectively ended the Gamecocks' season. This was a heartbreaking loss for seniors Marco Vallez, Koty Millard, Danny Deakin, Kurtis Turner, Kevin Walker, Ive Burnett and Matt McManis.
Clemson will advance to Round Three of tournament play.