Clemson Falls in NCAA Tournament 2-1 to Georgia

Nov. 14, 2003

Knoxville, TN – Georgia scored two goals in the final eight minutes to overcome a one-goal deficit to defeat Clemson 2-1 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at UT Soccer Complex on Friday night.

The two teams played a scoreless first half, with neither team able to create many scoring opportunities. Clemson outshot the Bulldogs 10-4 during the first period, but were unable to net a goal.

Clemson had a scoring opportunity in the 47th minute as Paige Ledford took a pass to the endline and crossed the ball back into the penalty area. A Georgia defender deflected the ball to Lydia Vandenbergh at the penalty spot. Vandenbergh’s left-footed shot from ten yards out was pushed over the crossbar by Georgia goalkeeper Ashley Lindley.

The Lady Tigers threatened again in the 57th minute when Vandenbergh beat her defender and was alone in the box against the goalkeeper. The Georgia goalkeeper touched the ball away, but Vandenbergh was able to race to the ball. Her point blank shot was saved off the endline by Georgia defender Marilee Eback to keep Clemson off the board.

Clemson opened the scoring at the 64:11 mark as Amanda Garcia netted her sixth goal of the season. Allison Mitchell collected a loose ball at the top of the penalty box, and sent a high ball over the top of the Georgia defense. Allison Graham collected the ball and passed it to Garcia who’s first touch beat the goalkeeper to the far post.

Clemson nearly added to its lead in the 68th minute when Courtney Foster’s header from 14 yards out had the goalkeeper beaten, but deflected off the far post and was cleared by a Georgia defender.

Georgia tied the score at the 82:07 minute mark off a Geneil Newburn goal from 15 yards out. Jessica Winton was credited with an assist on the play.

Georgia took the lead with just over one minute remaining in the second half. Randi-Lynn Bruso collected a loose ball in the penalty area and hit a point blank shot past goalkeeper Lauren Whitt.

Clemson ends the season with an 11-7-2 record.

Scoring Summary:

Clemson – Amanda Garcia (Allison Mitchell assists) – 64:11

Georgia – Geneil Newburn (Jessica Winton assist) – 82:07

Georgia – Randi-Lynn Bruso (unassisted) – 88:56

Shots: Clemson – 19; Georgia – 7

Saves: Lauren Whitt (CU) – 2; Ashley Lindley (UGA) – 8

Corner kicks: Clemson – 6; Georgia – 2

Fouls: Clemson – 10; Georgia – 15