Clemson Tigers
Overall Rank: #26
#7 ACC
Clemson Team Page
Clemson just keeps getting better and better under Coach Mike Noonan and in 2013 they were finally rewarded with a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers lost a heartbreaker against Elon in the first round, but they took that next step and will look to build on it going forward. With a superb recruiting class and plenty of talent returning, Coach Noonan and company have very high hopes for 2014.
2013 Record: 11-7-3, 5-4-2
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Mike Noonan
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Ara Amirkhanian, Senior, M, 6
Assists: Ara Amirkhanian, Senior, M, 3; Bobby Belair, Senior, M, 3
Shots: Manolo Sanchez, Senior, M, 37
Saves: Andrew Tarbell, Sophomore, GK, 36
Other Key Returnees: F T.J. Casner, F Iain Smith, F Austen Burnikel, M/F Amadou Dia, M Thales De Mello Moreno, M Alexandre Happi, M Paul Clowes, D Kyle Fisher, D Phanuel Kavita, GK Chris Glodack
Key Losses: M Thomas McNamara, M Jack Metcalf, M Alex Stockinger
Strengths:
Usually having two goalkeepers is not a good thing. But in this case both Andrew Tarbell and Chris Glodack are quality keepers who played last season. Tarbell saw most of the action, starting 15 contests. He allowed 1.01 goals per game and recorded four shutouts. Glodack played in just six games, but he did extremely well in those contests, recording four shutouts and allowing four goals. Coach Noonan has a competitive battle on his hands to find his starting keeper, but he could also ride the hot hand. Either way, the Tigers ranked third in the ACC in goals-against average and will be just as good this time around. The back line returns Kyle Fisher and experienced senior Phanuel Kavita.
Weaknesses:
Most of the time the offense looked pretty good in 2013, working through the talented midfield. However finishing up top was a problem and now Thomas McNamara, who led the team with seven goals and eight assists, is gone. Ara Amirkhanian and Manolo Sanchez are proven goal scorers, but Clemson will have to get more production from players like T.J. Casner and Iain Smith as they step into bigger roles. The Tigers do have their talented recruiting class to fall back on too if needed. Diego Campos is likely the newcomer who can make the biggest impact right away, yet Coach Noonan will have plenty of depth and plenty of options in the midfield and up top.
Final Projection:
Clemson’s rise should not come to an end here and the next step for the program is to win a game or two in the tournament. ACC titles are probably out of reach for now, but this group of freshmen may see some big things before their collegiate careers are over. For now though, staying competitive in the conference race and stealing away some big wins against established power houses is good enough.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.38 (85th in nation, 8th in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.91 (45, 3)
Shutout Percentage: 0.38 (44, 6)
Save Percentage: 0.737 (123, 7)
Madness 2014 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#27 Saul Chinchilla
#35 Gerald Vargas
#52 Diego Campos
#110 Tyler Rider
See All College Sports Madness Top 44 Men's Soccer Previews
