Tanner Tessmann had a very special fan who watched as he came off the bench to make his debut for his US men’s national team on Sunday night.
When the Dallas FC midfielder stepped onto the field to replace Trinidad & Tobago, Dabo Swinney, the famous Clemson soccer coach and Tessmann’s godfather, was the biggest smile at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium. Even behind his mask, Swinney’s smile was an unforgettable sight, as was the FC Dallas jersey signed by Tessmann, which he sported.
You may be wondering how we got here @ ClemsonFB pic.twitter.com/WRmEitB7yX
– FC Dallas (@FCDallas) February 1, 2021
And the connection between the two men goes beyond godson and godfather.
A year ago, Tessmann appeared to be looking to visit Clemson after being recruited as a foosball player for the school’s powerhouse soccer team. But then plans changed and in late February he signed a homegrown deal with Dallas. After an impressive first season in the MLS, in which he played 21 games in the regular season and in the Audi MLS Cup playoffs, Tessmann’s rapid rise continued on Sunday with a debut for his country 7-0.
