Clemson Earns ACC Win over NC State in Raleigh Sunday

RALEIGH, NC – The Clemson women’s soccer team won its fourth Atlantic Coast Conference match of the season, a crucial 1-0 road victory over NC State, on Sunday afternoon at Dail Soccer Field in Raleigh, NC.  Senior Tabitha Padgett scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick to lift the Tigers to victory.  With the win, Clemson improved to 7-4-3 (4-3-1 ACC), while the Wolfpack fell to 6-9 (1-8 ACC).

“We are happy to get a win and the three points,” said head coach Eddie Radwanski.  “Any time you are on the road in the ACC and come away with a victory, you have to be pleased.  We played very well in the first half, and did a good job of moving the ball and dominating play.

“The rhythm of play was disrupted a lot on the second half, but thank goodness we have Kailen Sheridan in goal.  She made a great save on a penalty kick and is really showing why she is one of the best goalkeepers in the ACC.  That save provided a huge lift to our team, which was visible on the field.

“After we scored, we did a good job managing the rest of the game.  NC State is dangerous on free kicks because of their long service, and give them credit for not giving up and making things difficult for us.  Overall, it was good to get the win and the three points.  Now, it’s time to start focusing on Duke.”

The Tigers controlled the game in the first half, taking seven shots, including three on goal, compared to four Wolfpack shots (one on goal), but were unable to capitalize on their chances in the first frame, and the game remained scoreless at halftime.

In the 64^th minute, Clemson freshman midfielder Emily Byorth made an aggressive move and was taken down inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick.  Padgett, who had just entered the game, handled the kick, and sent a left-footed shot into the right side of the net, past the outstretched hands of Wolfpack keeper Mackenzie Stelljes.  The goal was Padgett’s second of the season.

Clemson freshman keeper Kailen Sheridan posted five saves in the game, including the critical stop on the NC State penalty kick early in the second half, which provided a momentum boost for the Tigers.  Sheridan, who recorded her sixth solo shutout, now has 47 saves on the season.

The entire game was physical, as a total of 36 fouls were called (18 on each team), with 24 of the 36 coming in the second half.  NC State was also issued three yellow cards in the second frame.

After three straight road games, the Tigers will return to Historic Riggs Field for two games this week.  On Thursday, October 17, Clemson will play host to Duke at 7 PM in a game designated as a “Pink Game.”  On Sunday, October 20, 11^th-ranked Wake Forest will travel to Clemson for a 2 PM contest that will be televised on RSN.

Clemson 1, NC State 0

Scoring SummaryClemson – Padgett (Penalty Kick) 63:01Saves – Sheridan (CU) 5, Stelljes (NCSU) 5Shots – Clemson 19, NC State 15Corner Kicks – Clemson 5, NC State 2Fouls – Clemson 18, NC State 18