In a thrilling contest at Spry Stadium, the Wake Forest men’s soccer team suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against Clemson in an ACC matchup. Despite a valiant effort, the Demon Deacons were unable to overcome the Tigers, who took the lead in the second half and held on for the win.
The match got off to an electric start as both teams created dangerous chances early on. Wake Forest took the lead in the 13th minute when Cooper Flax converted a penalty, marking his third successful spot-kick in recent matches. However, Clemson quickly responded to level the score and soon secured a 2-1 advantage in the 21st minute.
Just four minutes later, Wake Forest’s Tate Lorentz equalized with a superb strike, curling the ball into the top corner. Clemson regained the lead in the 30th minute, but Wake Forest fought back once more. Five minutes before halftime, Daniel Krueger headed home from a well-placed set-piece, assisted by Vlad Walent and Flax, to make it 3-3 going into the break.
The second half continued with both sides vying for control. Despite Wake Forest’s efforts to apply pressure and create scoring opportunities, the decisive goal came from Clemson in the 72nd minute, sealing the victory.
Cooper Flax’s performance was notable, as he recorded a goal and two assists, bringing his overall tally to four goals and three assists in the last two matches. Lorentz, who extended his lead in team goals and points, remains a standout player this season, ranking third in the conference for goals and points.
Coach’s comments highlighted both the excitement of the match and the need for improvement, particularly in defense. Despite the loss, the Demon Deacons’ record of scoring three or more goals in consecutive matches highlights their attacking potential.
Looking ahead, Wake Forest will enjoy a much-needed eight-day break before facing Stanford at Spry Stadium on October 4. The match, broadcast live on ACCNX, will provide Wake Forest with an opportunity to break their winless streak against the Cardinal, who lead the all-time series.
This loss, while disappointing, highlights the team’s attacking prowess and resilience. Avenging this result against Stanford could provide a much-needed morale boost and set the stage for further success in their ongoing ACC campaign.