Men's Soccer Falls to Clemson in Overtime

Friday, October 22

Clemson, S.C.

7:00 PM

Duke University

Clemson

Finley Nets 3 as Duke Races Past Virginia Tech

Men's Soccer Falls to Clemson in Overtime

10/22/2010 10:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Duke Sports Information

CLEMSON, S.C.-Clemson University junior Riley Sumpter tallied a goal with 3:46 remaining in the first overtime to lift the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over 24th-ranked Duke this evening in ACC men's soccer action at Riggs Field. The game was the sixth overtime game of the season for the Blue Devils and the first overtime loss of the year.

Duke falls to 6-4-4 overall and 1-3-2 in ACC play, while Clemson improves to 4-7-3 and 1-3-2 against ACC foes.

With Duke seemingly holding the momentum heading into overtime after tying the score in the final six minutes, Clemson came out fast in the extra session and generated the first chance as Austin Savage sailed a shot over the crossbar. The even play continued and with just under four minutes remaining in the first 10-minute period, Sumpter found the back of the net off of a double assist from Alex Stockinger and Stephen McGill.

After an even first 44 minutes that featured a combined five shots, the Tigers got on the board at the 44:01 mark. Winning a corner kick heading into the final minute, Tommy Drake lined up and served a ball to the near post where K.C. Onyeador headed it just inside the near post for the 1-0 lead.

Nearly 20 seconds later Duke had a dangerous opportunity as Temi Molinar sent a ball into the middle of the penalty box, but the Tigers cleared it out of danger. Molinar was dangerous again for the Blue Devils in the final 30 seconds, winning a free kick just outside the penalty area. Cole Grossman stepped up and lifted the ball to the far post where the Tigers were able to knock it out of danger and go into the locker room with a 1-0 lead.

Clemson came out strong to start the second half. Drake broke free down the middle of the field. Looking to garner a 2-0 lead, Drake ripped a shot to the far post, but Duke goalkeeper James Belshaw got his right foot on it to keep the score 1-0.

The Tigers continued to pressure Duke as Onyeador nearly duplicated his goal before Blue Devil defender Sebastien Ibeagha got a boot on the ball to move it across the end line.

Duke started to pick up the pressure in the final 20 minutes. The Blue Devils started to control possession, but were just missing on the final pass in the offensive third.

With just over seven minutes to play, Duke had its best chance of the night as sophomore Andrew Wenger had a go at goal from 20 yards. Clemson goalie read the shot well and deflected the ball across the endline.

Duke's sense of urgency finally paid off with just under six minutes left as Finley netted his 13th goal of the season. Senior defender Nick Sih sailed a ball into the box from the right side. Grossman did well to flick the ball to the far post where Finley was wide open to net the equalizer.

The Tigers were able to hold off a final push in the last five minutes by the Blue Devils as the squads headed into overtime. Clemson came out strong and with 3:46 left in the stanza, netted the game winner to garner its first ACC victory of the season.

Duke held a 15-12 advantage in shots, including a 12-5 edge in the second half. The Blue Devils also won the corner kick battle, earning seven to the Tigers' five. In goal, Belshaw had one stop for Duke, while Cody Mizell made four saves to garner the win.

Duke closes out its non-conference schedule on Oct. 26, hosting Furman at Koskinen Stadium at 7 p.m.

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