The Phoenix defeated Clemson on penalty kicks Nov. 21 in a thrilling contest at Rudd Field.
The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ men’s soccer team topped Clemson in a shootout after the two teams remained tied 1-1 following two overtimes. Four ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ players scored penalty kicks to win the shootout 4-1. They were Matt Wescoe, James Brace, Caue Da Silva and Jason Waterman, who clinched the victory, tore off his shirt and ran into a mad rush of fans who descended on the field.
Earlier, Waterman had scored ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s lone goal with an assist by Nathan Diehl. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ goalkeeper Nathan Dean tallied three saves in the victory.
More than 3,300 fans packed the fences surrounding Rudd Field and provided rowdy and exuberant support for the Phoenix. Following their celebration of the winning shot, the team saluted the fans, then gathered at midfield where Head Coach Darren Powell told his team its next win would be Sunday night against the UCLA Bruins in Los Angeles. This is the first time ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ has advanced to the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament.