Castenfelt Sinks Late Goal on Free Kick, Pushing Clemson Over Syracuse 2-1

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson University women’s soccer team (4-4-5, 1-3-2) collected its first ACC win of the season following a 2-1 victory on the road against Syracuse Sunday afternoon at SU Stadium.

Anna Castenfelt earned three points on the day after setting up the first goal (made by Emily Brough) and scored a late, game-winning goal on a free kick attempt. Castenfelt’s goal was the third of her career and set a new season high.

How it Happened

Syracuse took an early 1-0 lead after scoring in the seventh minute.

Emily Brough responded in the ninth minute, scoring her first goal of the season (fifth in her career) to tie the match 1-1. Castenfelt (fourth career) and Jolie Jenkins (second this season) were credited with the assists.

The Tigers ended the first half leading Syracuse in shots (17-5), shots on goal (10-2) and in corner opportunities (4-3).

Each team had several opportunities throughout the second half that involved multiple shots hitting crossbars. At 89:53, Castenfelt was awarded a free kick, which she took full advantage of, scoring her second goal in as many matches.

Clemson ended the day with 31 shots, the most the team has taken since defeating Gardner-Webb 9-0 (40 shots, 8/20/2023), while holding Syracuse to only 10 shots. The Tigers also led in shots on goal (13-4) and corner opportunities (6-5).

Highlights

• 9’ | Brough’s fifth career goal
• Half | Coach Radwanski’s interview
• 37’ | Addy Holgorsen’s 25^th save of the season
• Saves from Reason | 53’ | 77’
• 84’ | Defensive stand
• 90’ | Castenfelt’s game-winning goal

Starting XI

• Defender Neely Kerr (13^th career start)
• Midfielder Brough (41^st career start)
• Defender Mackenzie Duff (52^nd career start)
• Midfielder Renee Lyles (64^th career start)
• Forward Tatum Short (42^nd career start)
• Forward Natalie Brooks (fifth career start)
• Defender Jenkins (11^th career start, second career assist)
• Midfielder Castenfelt (21^st career start, third career goal, fourth career assist)
• Forward Juju Harris (12^th career start)
• Defender Reese Klein (12^th career start)
• Goalkeeper Addy Holgorsen (19^th career start)

Off the Bench

• Defender Maddie Costello (eighth career match played)
• Forward Maria Manousos (62^nd career match played)
• Forward / Defender Taylor Leib (11^th career match played)
• Midfielder / Defender Carla Small (13^th career match played)
• Defender Elle Bissinger (ninth career match played)
• Forward / Midfielder Alessandra Washington (ninth career match played)
• Forward Jordan Thompson (31^st career match played)

Up Next

The Tigers are on the road again this Thursday, Oct. 9, when they will travel to SMU for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The match will be available on ACCNX and can be followed via live stats on ClemsonTigers.com.

For complete coverage of the Clemson women’s soccer program, follow @ClemsonWSoccer on X, Instagram and Facebook.