The Palmetto State showdown between Clemson and South Carolina carried extra meaning this past Tuesday for SIMA, as five former SIMA student-athletes were featured in the match. Clemson claimed a 4–1 victory, but the story of the night was the impact of SIMA alumni on both sides of the ball.
On the Clemson side, four SIMA graduates suited up: Misei Yoshizawa, Wahabu Musah, Joseph Andema, and Abdou Mane. Their influence was undeniable in the result.
- Wahabu Musah struck in the 79th minute, pushing Clemson's lead to 3–1.
- Just minutes later, Misei Yoshizawa capped off the night with a goal in the 87th.
- In goal, Joseph Andema anchored the Tigers' defense, keeping South Carolina limited to a single tally.
- Abdou Mane also contributed valuable minutes off the bench.
For South Carolina, defender Jordan Cheetham represented SIMA, appearing in the match as part of the Gamecocks' backline rotation.
In total, two SIMA alumni, Misei and Musah, found the scoresheet with goals, with Misei tallying an assist as well, a testament to the Academy's continued tradition of producing top-level collegiate talent.
The rivalry itself was hard-fought. Clemson opened the scoring in the first half through Ransford Gyan, then extended their lead in the second half. South Carolina answered with a goal from Mika Habel in the 57th minute, but Clemson's finishing quality proved decisive. Musah's strike and Yoshizawa's late goal sealed the 4–1 win.
For SIMA, the night was more than just a rivalry game, it was a showcase. Five players, two goals, and an assist all on one of the biggest college soccer stages in the country.
