Queens (NC) Stuns Clemson with 1-0 Victory at Historic Riggs Field
CLEMSON, S.C. – In a stunning upset at Historic Riggs Field on Monday, September 16, Queens (NC) secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Clemson, capitalizing on a critical first-half goal at the 16:24 mark to claim all three points.
The defining moment came early in the match when Queens found the breakthrough following a throw-in sequence. The goal, scored at 16:24 of the first half, proved to be the difference-maker in what became a defensive masterclass from the visiting Royals.
The opening exchanges saw both teams feeling each other out, with play flowing back and forth without clear-cut chances. Queens striker Vitor Baptistelli emerged as a constant threat, testing the Clemson defense with multiple shot attempts including efforts at 11:51 and 16:12 that served as warning signs before the breakthrough.
Just moments before the goal, Cole Pumpian had a shot attempt at 16:16, keeping the pressure on the Tigers' defense. The sustained attack paid dividends when Queens capitalized on a throw-in situation to find the net at 16:24, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
Clemson responded immediately with increased urgency. Ransford Gyan forced a save just 38 seconds after the restart, but the Tigers couldn't find the equalizer despite their efforts. The home side's frustration was evident as head coach Mike Noonan made multiple substitutions, including a quadruple change at 32:10 when Arthur Duquenne, Gabriel Santuari, Nathan Richmond, and Remi Okunlola were all withdrawn.
The statistics painted a picture of Queens' defensive organization and counter-attacking threat. The Royals earned an impressive 10 corner kicks in the first half alone compared to Clemson's 2, demonstrating their ability to sustain pressure in the attacking third. Queens managed 5 shots with multiple efforts blocked, while limiting Clemson to just 3 attempts.
The physical nature of the contest was evident with Queens committing 8 fouls to Clemson's 3 in the opening period. Leontios Zacharia was particularly combative for Queens, picking up multiple fouls as the Royals disrupted Clemson's rhythm and protected their slender lead.
Clemson's Wahabu Musah came closest to equalizing with a shot at 21:29 that went wide, while Lukas Magnason's late effort at 44:11 sailed over the crossbar in the dying moments of the first half. The Tigers made numerous personnel changes throughout the match, with 14 total substitutions recorded as they searched for the right formula to break down Queens' resolute defense.
Key performers for Queens included Baptistelli, who led the attacking charge with multiple shots, and the defensive unit that included Valter Salavuo, Jamahl Brown, and Oliver Kneer, all of whom had crucial blocked shot attempts that demonstrated their commitment to team defense. The midfield duo of Otto Gustafsson and Rodrigo Canovas provided the steel in the center of the park, breaking up Clemson's attempts to build through the middle.
For Clemson, the loss marks a disappointing result at their historic home venue. Despite the efforts of Gyan, Musah, and Magnason in attack, the Tigers couldn't find a way past the organized Queens defense. The home side's inability to convert their possession into clear chances proved costly.
The victory represents a significant achievement for Queens (NC), claiming a road win against an ACC opponent. Their defensive discipline and clinical finishing when the opportunity arose proved the difference in a match that showcased the unpredictable nature of college soccer.
Looking ahead, Clemson will need to regroup quickly as they continue their season, while Queens will look to build on this momentum from what will surely be remembered as one of their most impressive results of the campaign.
The lone goal at 16:24 will be replayed in Queens highlights for years to come – a moment when David took down Goliath at one of college soccer's most storied venues. For Queens, this wasn't just a win; it was a statement victory that announced their arrival as a team capable of competing with anyone on their day.