In front of a crowd of 1,463 rowdy fans, the No. 14 Virginia men’s soccer team clinched a high-scoring, high-octane win against Clemson at Historic Riggs Field Friday night.
The Cavaliers (8-1-2, 3-1-1 ACC), coming off a strong win against previously-undefeated Denver, traveled to South Carolina, where they improved their road record to 3-0 in ACC matches for the first time since 2001. Virginia was the first on the board, with a goal by freshman forward Cabrel Happi Kamseu and assisted by sophomore forward Nathaniel Crofts in the 39th minute. The Cavaliers held their 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The Tigers (5-6-1, 0-5 ACC) roared out of the locker room to start the second half, scoring in the 46th minute on a goal by Tigers’ junior defender Tanner Dieterick off a corner kick. Virginia junior midfielder Robin Afamefuna answered the Tigers’ goal less than three minutes later, scoring on a free kick. Virginia kept their attacking pace throughout the second half, notching three shots on goal. Virginia freshman forward Daniel Steedman’s goal in the 51th minute and freshman forward Daryl Dike’s follow-up goal in the 60th minute solidified the Virginia lead, 4-1. Dike’s goal stretched his scoring streak to two games, including his third goal this week.
The Tigers put up a physical game that was matched by Virginia. The officials called a combined 44 fouls, with 27 of them against the Tigers. There were six cautions issued in the contest, with Clemson receiving four.
Looking toward the ACC Tournament, which begins Oct. 31, the Cavaliers are gaining momentum in offense and continued consistency in defense — the team has only allowed five goals through 11 games this season.
“This team (Virginia) has the ability to be successful in a number of ways, whether it be physical, direct or the ability to control possession,” Virginia Coach George Gelnovatch said.
The Cavaliers return home Tuesday against Radford. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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