Mercer University
Clemson
Men's Soccer Falls 2-0 at Clemson in Season Opener
8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Mercer men's soccer team dropped its 2013 season opener 2-0 at ACC member Clemson on Friday evening in front of 6,223 fans at Historic Riggs Field.
The game, which served as the kick-off to the 2013 season for both teams, was physical throughout as evidenced by the 28 total fouls called on both sides.
Following a defensive battle for the majority of the first half, Clemson managed to put home a goal just before intermission. Senior Thomas McNamara hammered home a crossing pass in the 42nd minute of play to give them home team a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The Tigers didn't waste much time adding a second tally, as junior Manolo Sanchez ran onto a through ball and fired a shot past a diving Greg Ranjitsingh and into the back of the net to cap the scoring in the contest at 2-0.
For the game, the Tigers held an 11-6 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in corner kicks.
Junior Greg Ranjitsingh played all 90 minutes in net for the Bears and made two saves in the contest.
Senior Ryan King led the Bears attack with three shots, including one on goal, in a losing effort.
Mercer is back in action when it plays Elon on Sept. 6 as part of the UNC Wilmington Hilton Garden Inn Classic. Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.
