Clemson Men’s Soccer wins 2023 National Championship with 2-1 victory over Notre Dame

Clemson Men’s Soccer defeated Notre Dame Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky to win the program’s fourth national championship.

Clemson looked to establish possession early in the game, but the Irish proved more than capable of matching their focus and control.

Ousmane Sylla came close in the 14th minute on a strike off a corner kick, but Notre Dame deflected the shot.

Brandon Parrish got the Tigers on the scoreboard in the 27th minute with a strike from just outside the penalty box.

Clemson took a 1-0 lead.

Joseph Andema stepped up just a couple minutes later with a clutch save to thwart an Irish opportunity.

Mohamed Seye came close to scoring with just over seven minutes left in the first half, but his shot went just wide. The Tigers took the one goal lead into halftime.

Both defenses were stout in the second half until about ten minutes in when the Irish clanked a shot off the crossbar. Clemson was able to clear the rebound to turn Notre Dame away.

The Irish came close again just a few minutes later before Parrish was able to block the shot to preserve the lead.

Notre Dame continued the pressure with multiple attempts coming close but not quite on target.

Finally Sylla found a beautiful opportunity in the 70th minute and nailed it.

Clemson took a 2-0 lead with twenty minutes left in the game.

The Irish continued the attack but the Tiger defense, led by Andema, continued to turn Notre Dame away.

With one minute left in the game, Tyler Trimnal was called for a handball in the penalty box and Notre Dame scored. Clemson led 2-1.

Finally, the PA announcer began his countdown, and Clemson United celebrated a hard-fought victory.

Clemson Men’s Soccer will add a fourth star to their crest to symbolize their fourth National Championship

Head coach Mike Noonan becomes the third head coach in Clemson history to win a second national championship following Dabo Swinney and I.M. Ibrahim.

The Tigers finish their season 15-3-5. Clemson started their 2023 a bit slow with a loss at home to UCF, followed by a draw again UNC Wilmington.

The Tigers opened Atlantic Coast Conference play by traveling to South Bend to face the Irish. The Tigers lost that game 3-2, but many on the team felt that game was when Clemson began to find their best form.

The Tigers rode the positive momentum they had built through the back half of their schedule to three postseason wins to bring home the ACC Championship. From there they won four tournament contests, including one on the road in New Hampshire, to qualify for this season’s College Cup.

The Tigers faced a challenge from West Virginia, but they advanced based on a shutout performance by goalkeeper Andema and a brilliant strike by Shawn Smart that found the upper right-hand corner of the Mountaineers’ goal.

The Tigers will now add the fourth star to their crest. Celebrate Tiger Nation!