Clemson’s Tournament Run Ends with 1-1 Draw, Marshall Advances 7-6 in PKs

CARY, N.C. -- Marshall made seven of eight penalty kick attempts, while Clemson made six to end the Tigers’ 2021 NCAA Tournament run after a 1-1 draw. The Tigers’ season ends at 14-3-3.

Clemson jumped out to a 3-2 lead in PKs, before the two teams were then tied at three. The match went into extra PKs with both teams making their 6th and 7th attempt, but Clemson’s 8th attempt was saved ending the game and sending the Thundering Herd to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Marshall struck first on a goal by Max Schneider in the 16th minute, converting on a free kick opportunity following a Clemson foul. The Tigers recovered, however, and in the 32nd minute, Callum Johnson netted the equalizer off a corner kick. The Tigers had four more corner kick opportunities in the final minutes of the second half, but couldn’t capitalize, sending the game to its final 45 minutes tied at one.

In the first overtime period, the Tigers took two shots, but a save by Marshall kept the game even to send it to a second golden-goal 10-minute period. After a Clemson yellow card in the 103rd minute, Marshall had four-straight chances to win it, but couldn’t put the game away. The Tigers had a chance in the 108th minute with their 14th corner kick of the day, but came away empty, sending the game to deciding penalty kicks. 

George Marks made one save on the night, while the Tigers earned 14 corner kicks.