CLEMSON, S.C. — The 2024 season ended in defeat for the University of Louisville men’s soccer team after a stinging 3-1 loss at No. 7 Clemson in the opening round of the ACC Championship on Wednesday night.

The opening half was a tough defensive battle, resulting in a scoreless contest through 45 minutes. However, that quickly turned to a flurry of offense for Clemson after the halftime break.

The Tigers were awarded a penalty for a foul on the edge of the box in the 47th minutes, and they were able to convert to start their scoring spree.

Louisville answered back just 58 seconds later after TJ Kahoalii beat the Clemson keeper inside the far post to level the match 1-1.

The match remained tied for the next 10 minutes until Clemson grabbed the lead back with a goal off of a corner kick in the 58th minute. The Tigers added to their advantage with a goal two minutes later.

Louisville had a chance to get one back at the 66-minute mark but was denied by the Clemson goalkeeper.

Bilal Camara and Ola Arntsen each put shots on target but were also denied, and Arntsen had another shot that whistled just over the crossbar.

The Cardinals couldn’t make the comeback happen ultimately.

AJ Piela matched a career high with nine saves on the evening. Clemson outshot the Cards 16-12 on the night and held a 9-4 corner kick advantage.