Wake Forest University
11-2-2, 8-1-2
Clemson University
12-2-2, 7-2-2
Demon Deacons Draw with No. 1 Clemson
4/2/2021 10:08:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Friday night’s 0-0 tie with Clemson keeps Wake Forest alive in the race for the Atlantic Division title heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
CLEMSON, S.C. -- No. 4 Wake Forest (11-2-2, 3-0-2) and No. 1 Clemson (12-2-2, 4-0-1) battled for 110 minutes on Friday night at Historic Riggs Field, but neither side gained an advantage in a 0-0 result. The decision broke a seven-game winning streak for Clemson, which began last fall following a 2-0 loss to Wake Forest on Oct. 30.
While Wake Forest was outshot 19-9 by Clemson, it marked the first time the Tigers were held without a goal in the spring.
Taking at least a point in all five ACC matches so far this spring, Wake Forest remains alive in the Atlantic Division race heading into next Friday's regular season finale vs. Syracuse.
How It Happened
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Clemson applied early pressure to Wake Forest's defense and earned three corners in the first two minutes of play.
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The Demon Deacons in the first half tested the Tigers' backline, but recorded just two shots while being called offsides five times.
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Wake Forest's best chance in the first frame came in the 26th minute, but sophomore Jake Swallen's free kick was saved by Clemson's George Marks.
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In the second half, Wake Forest was able to register five shots while goalkeeper Cole McNally was only tested once on frame in the 48th minute.
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In overtime, Clemson was more active against the Mount Airy, Md., native, but McNally finished the night with his third clean sheet of the spring.
Demon Deacon Details of Note
- The Demon Deacons started a season-high seven freshmen as 10 freshmen total appeared in the match.
- The matchup marked only the fourth time in program history that Wake Forest has faced an opponent three times in a single season (NC State 2020-21, Virginia 2003 and Virginia 2009).
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Sophomore Jake Swallen made his 15th career start, all of which have come this season.
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Sophomore Omar Hernandez made his 10th career start, nine of which have come this season.
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Freshman Oscar Sears made his 15th career appearance.
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Sophomore David Wrona made his first appearance since March 6. He played 45 minutes.
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Freshman Garrison Tubbs made his first appearance since March 1, subbing into the game in the 34th minute. He played 58 minutes.
Muuss' Musings
"Although it was not the result we wanted, to come to Clemson and battle the way we did with the injuries we have and earn a point is a testament to the character and resilience of this great team. We will now focus on our recovery and celebrating this Easter weekend as a soccer family and the amazing sacrifice the Lord has made for us."
Up Next
Wake Forest will conclude the regular season on Friday night, taking on Syracuse in New York.
The Demon Deacons won the last matchup between the ACC foes in a 1-0 decision on Sept. 21, 2019.
