CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson University women’s soccer team (3-1-4, 0-0-2) played California Sunday afternoon at Historic Riggs Field for the first time in program history, resulting in a 2-2 draw on Senior day. This is the second consecutive match where Clemson was down 2-0 before generating two second-half goals with the first happening against No. 3 Stanford this past Thursday.
How it Happened
After a shutout first half by Addy Holgorsen, California’s Lumi Kostmayer scored twice for the Golden Bears, once in the 52nd minute, and then again in the 60th minute.
Just over two minutes later in the 62nd minute, Juju Harris scored her fifth goal of the season, which was assisted by Natalie Brooks and Elle Bissinger.
Taylor Leib then scored in the 68th minute (the second consecutive match that she has scored in) with Renee Lyles and Harris having the assists.
The Tigers outshot California 14-6 and had more corner opportunities (5-4). Holgorsen and Nona Reason split halves in goal with each recording a save.
Highlights
Post-Match Interviews
Q: You guys are down to nothing again, back-to-back games now, and he battled back, found a way to get the one point with the draw. Just talk about your team’s response today.
A: Well, I mean, obviously it’s a great sign of strong resiliency and having that never-say-die attitude. I’m a little disappointed. I felt like we shouldn’t have put ourselves in that position, but these are some of the lessons that you have to go through with the young team, right? They have to organically learn these things and suffer and see what it’s all about. I mean, it is a great quality to know that we can respond like that. So now the next question is going to be like, well, let’s respond when it’s still nil, and let’s see, can we get on top of the game? So, there’d be a lot of good lesson. Look, we played a good team tonight. We played two good teams this week, Stanford and Cal. So, you know, a lot of good things that we did, and it’s another game that we’re going to grow and learn from.
Q: Yeah, you mentioned you don’t want to put yourself in that hole early. You outshot Cal 14-6 and dominated possession for most of the game. What do you have to do to get that early goal?
A: You got to score first. I mean, you got to score. You got I just think we need to be a little bit more decisive, you know, a little bit more intentional, you know, all of a sudden you could see when we’re behind, like, Oh yeah, I’m getting forward. I’m going to get in the box. Like, yeah, that’s the way it has to be, regardless, even if, when it’s 0-0, so that’s something we’ll talk about. And, you know, again, like, they’re young kids, so they’re going to have to learn it, learn these things, and go through it. So, it’s a good experience. Like, it’s not, I mean, look, it’s a good result play. The nationally ranked team is again, so they’re just going to be many good lessons that will take away from this.
Q: It’s a really young team, as you mentioned, is a lesson to take away how to bounce back after such an emotional roller coaster of the game just a few days ago.
A: Well, the whole weekend is a lesson in bouncing back. So that’s something that we got an A+ on, you know, now need to start expanding into other, you know, areas like taking the lead and so forth. But I know, look, I love the team’s resilience. I love the fact that they never quit, they never say die, and as far as they’re concerned, they’re always in the game, and that’s a great quality to have.
Q: With tonight being senior night, can you just talk a little bit about what these seniors have meant to the program?
A: Well, it’s always an emotional game on senior day because of their four- or five-year journey. They’re all special kids and are a part of our family. I mean you as a coach, you reflect back to, oh my God, how many years ago was it we were recruiting? And you get to know people, and you’re watching them grow and develop, not only as a player, but as a person. And it’s wonderful to see where they are. Some of them already got their degrees. Some are going to be graduating with honors. I’m really happy that they’ve been a part of our family, and they have given us a lot of love, a lot of joy, a lot of laughter. And we create, you know, we create life-changing moments through women’s soccer and experiences that will last a lifetime. And they’re walking away with some credible experiences.
Q: Taylor, I’ll start with you. Goals in back-to-back games now. What’s been working for you?
A: I think it’s just trusting that we’re in the right spots and teammates are putting the ball in the right places. I’ve just been in the right place, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I think our team has been working really well.
Q: Juju, you guys have been down 2–0 in back-to-back games and battled back to earn the draw. What has this weekend been like as a learning experience?
A: I mean, it’s what we expected going into the first two games of ACC play. We know it’s going to be tough every single game, but we just have to do our part—go out there, play as hard as we can, and we’ll get a result.
Q: Addy, senior night—you had a great save to end the first half and kept the momentum on your side. Talk about what this program has meant to you.
A: I mean, I don’t even think I can really put it into words. Coming to Clemson has been a dream come true. The teammates and the people I’ve met through my experience here. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for and hold close to my heart forever.
Q: For any of you, what do you need to do better to get on the board first and build momentum early? You dominated Cal in possession and shots but couldn’t break through for that first goal.
A (from Holgorsen): I think coming out with the right mentality is the biggest thing. It was a hot one today at 1 p.m. but we can’t control that. So, it’s about controlling what we can, working hard, and trying to outwork our opponent. That’s really the biggest thing.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge when you’re down two goals?
A (from Leib): Going down two goals is never easy, but I think having the intensity and the ability to fight back really shows who we are and what we can do. Never say die.
Q: What does it mean to you, getting to spend four years at Clemson?
A: Being here all four years has been really special. There’s a lot going on in college athletics right now but being able to stay in the same place for all four years has been really cool. I’ve met some amazing people who’ve become my best friends. Such as having these two right here with me, it’s just been a really special experience, and one I’ll always be grateful for.
The Starting XI
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Louisville this coming Friday, Sept. 19 for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium. The match will be viewable 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.
