CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Virginia Tech and Clemson played to a 3-3 draw Friday night in a frenetic ACC matchup that saw both teams squander opportunities to claim victory. The Hokies, sitting at 7-3-5 on the season, stormed back from a two-goal deficit in the second half to earn the point against the 8-4-3 Tigers in front of a packed crowd at Riggs Field.
Clemson struck first when Wahabu Musah found the back of the net in the 21st minute, giving the home side an early advantage. The Tigers extended their lead to 2-0 through Abdou Mane's finish in the 50th minute, and when Mason Jimenez converted a penalty kick in the 62nd minute, Clemson appeared to have control of the contest at 3-1. But Virginia Tech had other plans.
The Hokies' comeback began immediately after Jimenez's penalty. Declan Quill headed home a Joao Felicio cross in the 67th minute to make it 3-2, then Yanis Belatrache equalized just 90 seconds later with a right-footed strike assisted by Quill. The rapid-fire sequence completely shifted momentum, with Virginia Tech's defense suddenly tightening and the offense finding its rhythm in the final stages.
Clemson controlled much of the first half, generating chances through Ransford Gyan and others, but Virginia Tech's defense held firm until Musah's breakthrough. The Tigers' aggressive approach created space for counterattacks, though the Hokies couldn't capitalize on early opportunities. Beltran Alvarez had a chance for Virginia Tech before halftime but couldn't find the target.
The second half opened with Clemson on the front foot, and Mane's goal in the 50th minute appeared to put the match out of reach. Virginia Tech looked vulnerable defensively, and Jimenez's penalty—awarded after a handball—seemed to have sealed the result. Yet the Hokies' resilience proved decisive. Once Quill and Belatrache struck, the momentum swung entirely in Virginia Tech's favor, with Sam Joseph making crucial saves to preserve the draw.
Joseph finished with 10 saves for the Hokies, while Clemson's Joseph Andema made just two. Virginia Tech attempted 12 shots compared to Clemson's 19, but the visitors' efficiency in the final 25 minutes made the difference. The Tigers dominated possession and territory for stretches but couldn't find a fourth goal despite several late chances, including efforts from Wahabu Musah and Nathan Richmond that Joseph turned aside.
Declan Quill emerged as Virginia Tech's standout performer, scoring once and assisting another while creating constant problems for Clemson's backline. Yanis Belatrache's equalizer proved vital, while Joao Felicio's assist on Quill's header showcased the Hokies' ability to execute in transition. For Clemson, Wahabu Musah was dangerous throughout, though the Tigers couldn't convert their territorial advantage into a winning margin.
The draw leaves both teams with identical records and streaks heading into their next fixtures. Virginia Tech, which won its previous two matches against Winthrop and California, will look to build on this comeback performance. Clemson, coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss at Virginia last week, will rue the missed opportunity to bounce back decisively at home.