The Clemson Men’s Soccer team is set to open its season on Thursday, October 1st traveling to Columbia to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Yesterday, the United Soccer Coaches Poll released its pre-season poll and the Tigers found themselves tabbed as the second best team according to the poll.

It is the highest-ranking Clemson has received to start a season since 1985 when Clemson was named the nation’s top-ranked team. The ranking also marks the 173rd week that Clemson has ranked within the poll’s top five.

Clemson is coming off a stellar season last year, claiming the Atlantic Division title and earning a share of the ACC championship. The Tigers made it to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals last season, before falling to the Stanford Cardinals in penalty kicks at Historic Riggs Field in Clemson. 

Head Coach Mike Noonan and his team look to rebound and continue the success the team had last year. Noonan will look to replace MAC Hermann Trophy winner (equivalant to the Heisman Trophy in collegiate soccer) and #1 overall MLS Draft pick Robbie Robinson. Last season, Robinson led the team in goals (18) and total points (45)

Clemson was picked by the Coaches in the ACC to not only win the conference in 2020, but also win the South Region. 

The Men’s Soccer team has very high hopes coming into the 2020 season. Will Coach Noonan and company be able to accomplish the goals they failed to reach in 2019? We will find out starting October 1st.