CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson University women’s soccer team (3-1-3) concluded nonconference play against No. 15 University of Georgia with a 1-1 draw on Thursday night at Historic Riggs.
How it Happened
In the seventh minute, Juju Harris stole a possession from a Georgia defender in Bulldog territory, then scored her fourth-career goal to put the Tigers up 1-0.
Georgia responded in the ninth minute with a goal from Summer Denigan to tie the match 1-1.
Harris led the Tiger’s offensive push with a team-leading five shots (two on goal).
Neely Kerr, Emily Brough, Mackenzie Duff, Renee Lyles and Reese Klein each played a full 90 minutes for Clemson.
Addy Holgorsen and Nona Reason split the match in goal, each playing 45 minutes. Reason saved the lone shot that came her way.
The Tigers led the Bulldogs in total shots (10-6), shots on goal (5-2) and corner opportunities (5-4). This was the first match of the season where Clemson committed more fouls than its opponent.
Highlights
Post-match interview with Head Coach Radwanski
Q: Eddie, how did you feel about your team’s overall performance tonight after the 1-1 draw with No. 15 Georgia?
A: Overall, it was a good game. You know, we played with the 15th ranked team in the country. Our girls executed the tactic plan to excellence, and our competitiveness was right where we wanted it to be. You know, I like to think we could have won that game. Our lesson was that we had some opportunities. We are a young team but we’re growing and getting better. But I have no complaints like beyond the effort, the tactics and how the kids played, it was a good performance.
Q: Juju Harris put on a clinic up top making a case for the ACC Freshman of the Year. Have you seen her grow from the start of the year to now?
A: Juju is a good footballer and she’s always dangerous. She’s working hard. She commits everything to the team. You know, if we can get her the ball in good position, she’s a threat, as you saw. She got a goal today and she almost had another one. We’ve got some strengths to our team, we just need to get a little bit healthier, and this group’s going to do some good things.
Q: Back in goal, you have both Addie (Holgorsen) and Nona Reason play today. How do you feel about the duo splitting the time in goal?
A: I love it. We’re fortunate. We have two top notch goalkeepers who are both getting valuable experience. I actually like [having them split time]. It creates a good little competition. We feel like we have two top notch goalkeepers.
Q: You talked about how you thought you could have won this game. Now having three draws against top 25 opponents, what will it take to get over the hump?
A: We just feel that it’s some things have to happen organically. Yeah, we need to get a little healthier for one but the fact that we’re in these games shows the quality of this young team, and they’re going to be really unique and special going forward. But look, these are all valuable experiences. You always want to win but a tie is not necessarily a bad thing. We didn’t lose but all the other intangible lessons that our group is getting valuable experience. I told our team that I like how we started. By the time we get to the end of September and early October, this group is going to look way different, and we’re trending in that direction. So that makes me happy, and I’m encouraged by it.
The Starting XI
Up Next
The Tigers start up conference play this Thursday, Sept. 11 against No. 1 Stanford. The match is set for a 6 p.m. kick at Historic Riggs Field with a Military Appreciation/First Responders theme night. Admission is free for all fans; the match can be streamed on ACCNX and can be followed via live stats at ClemsonTigers.com.
For complete coverage of the Clemson women’s soccer program, follow @ClemsonWSoccer on X, Instagram and Facebook.
