Men’s Soccer Claims Statement Win over No. 1 Clemson

By: Andrew Selover | @AndrewSelover

CitrusTV Men’s Soccer Beat Reporter

For the second straight season, Syracuse has upset Clemson in men’s soccer. Last year, the Orange took down the sixth ranked Tigers 2-0 at home before Mike Noonan’s squad went on to win its first national championship in 34 years. This season, SU traveled to Historic Riggs Field and shocked No. 1 Clemson 2-1, the first victory for the Orange over a top-ranked team since October of 2000.

Clemson quickly took the lead at home on a close-range shot from Isaiah Reid just eight minutes in. Syracuse quickly responded just ten minutes later. Levonte Johnson got past the back line of defense bringing Tiger goalie Trevor Manion off his line. The Orange striker stepped past Manion and passed one towards the goal line. The shot was cleared at first, but Jeorgio Kocevski cleaned up in the box to equalize.

Levonte Johnson then got his own goal less than three minutes into the second half, raising a shot over Manion and into the roof of the goal. The Orange defended against immense pressure from the Tigers down the stretch and closed out the big win thanks to a few clutch saves by Russell Shealy. In the end, SU outshot Clemson 20-12 on the night to pull off the one-goal upset win.

Syracuse (6-0-1) remains unbeaten and hands Clemson (6-1-0) its first loss of the season. The Orange remain tied atop the ACC Atlantic division with No. 2 Wake Forest. Next up for SU is a trip to Colgate on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.