South Carolina men’s soccer falls to Clemson in season opener

No. 24 South Carolina’s men’s soccer team opened the season against rival No. 3 Clemson, but couldn’t keep up in a 2-1 defeat to the Tigers at Stone Stadium on Friday.

Clemson scored first on a goal from Austen Burnikel in the 10th minute. The Gamecocks responded four minutes later on a shot by Kevin Walker, who was assisted by Torgeir Nyboe. Aaron Jones then scored to put Clemson back on top at intermission, and it remained that way after a scorless second half.

Ximo Miralles had four saves for the Tigers, while Marco Velez had one save for USC.

South Carolina hosts Mercer on Tuesday.