Hokie ClubCLEMSON, S.C. – Clarke Bentley and Emmanuel Akogyeram were crucial contributors to the Hokies’ (2-2-2, 1-0-0 ACC) offense on Sunday, as both collected a goal and an assist in the 4-2 victory over the Clemson Tigers (0-4-1, 0-2-0 ACC) at Riggs Field. Tech saw four different goal scorers in the match, helping to earn its first conference victory of the season.
The Hokies secured an early lead thanks to Bentley’s first goal of the season that initially put Tech on the board in the 21st minute of play. Bentley’s goal came after a wide shot from freshman Gregory Cochrane, which helped to spark the Tech offense.
Clemson’s Mike Mattson then evened the score at one with his first goal of the season.
Bentley continued to ignite the offense as he assisted on Tech’s second goal of the game. Bentley’s pass to sophomore Emmanuel Akogyeram, who found the back of the net with six minutes left in the first half, gave the Hokies a 2-1 lead. Freshman Robert Alberti also recorded an assist on the play.
The back-and-forth play continued as Clemson then tied the game, 2-2, early in the second half. Eric Cava scored his first goal of the season, with assists from Nick Burton and Nathan Thornton.
In response, the Hokies scored two more goals of their own in a matter of six minutes to put the game out of sight. Charlie Campbell notched his second goal of the year off a punt assist from goalkeeper, Brendan Dunn, to help the Hokies regain the lead. Minutes later, James Shupp joined in on the offensive attack with his first career goal, giving Tech a 4-2 lead. Akogyeram recorded the assist.
The Tigers mustered five shots throughout the remainder of the game but were unable to further penetrate the scoreboard. They finished the game with 19 shots overall.
Tech finished with 13 shots from seven different players. Brendan Dunn recorded five saves, an assist and a victory in net. With the win, the Hokies avenged last year’s 3-2 double overtime loss to the Tigers.
The Hokies advance to 2-2-2 on the season and 1-0-0 in the ACC.
Tech will return to Thompson Field on Wednesday for a non-conference match against American University at 7 p.m. before hosting conference foe, NC State, on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m.