CLEMSON DEFEATS SOUTH CAROLINA 1-0 IN OVERTIME IN FRONT OF RECORD CROWD

Aug. 29, 2003

CLEMSON, SC-Freshman Kelly Schneider (Mauldin, SC) scored the match’s only goal as Clemson defeated South Carolina 1-0 in overtime at Riggs Field Friday night.

This was the season opener for both teams. The match was played with a record crowd of 4,120 on hand. This was the largest crowd for a women’s game in Lady Tiger history. Clemson is ranked 20th in the NSCAA preseason poll.

Clemson now leads the overall series 8-1 between the two schools. The Lady Tigers have outscored the Gamecocks 28-4 in the series.

Courtney Foster, a freshman from Conyers, GA took a diagonal shot from the left side and the South Carolina goalkeeper Elise Matthews was unable to control the save. Schneider was near the right post and fired the loose ball from six yards out into the bottom right corner of the goal.

“I liked our fitness level and I thought we were ready to play in these conditions,” said Clemson Head Coach Todd Bramble. “Ever since Kelly Schneider stepped on campus, she has exceeded our expectations. She was definitely our MVP tonight. Our freshmen class stepped up tonight and did well. Another freshman Courtney Foster got the assist. It was a great evening for our program. It was a great atmosphere and a great crowd. I will never forget tonight and the support we received. Our administration did a great job creating this atmosphere.”

“We worked hard and I knew we were going to score,” said Schneider. “We were frustrated having taken that many shots and no goals. I couldn’t ask for a better ending to this match and it was a great way to start my career at Clemson. I have always wanted to come to Clemson. The South Carolina goalkeeper made some really good saves tonight.”

The Lady Tigers are now 9-1 in season opening matches. Clemson will play host to Wofford on Monday September 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Riggs Field in the Lady Tigers’ next action.

Clemson 1, South Carolina 0 Clemson-Kelly Schneider (Courtney Foster) 95:02

Shots: Clemson 16, USC 5

Corner Kicks: Clemson 7, USC 3

Saves: Lauren Whitt (CU) 1, Elise Matthews (USC) 7

Fouls: Clemson 8, South Carolina 11

Attendance: 4,120