Clemson to play host to the Carolina’s Cup this Weekend

Sept. 5, 2005

CLEMSON, SC–Clemson, South Carolina, Charlotte, and Furman will compete in the Carolina’s Cup Women’s Soccer Tournament this weekend at Historic Riggs Field on the Clemson campus.

Furman and Charlotte will open the tournament on Friday, September 9, at 5:00 p.m. Later that night, Clemson and South Carolina will play at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, September 11, Charlotte will play South Carolina at 1:00 p.m. and Clemson will play Furman at 3:30 p.m.

The tournament was started to create an annual showcase event that would bring together the top Division I soccer teams in South Carolina and Western North Carolina for a weekend of competition. This is the first year of this tournament and it will rotate on a yearly basis at each participating school.

The foursome of schools usually competes on a yearly basis and this tournament will help maintain regional rivalries as the schools compete for the tournament’s championship each season. It is hoped that this tournament will raise the profile of the four women’s soccer programs, attract numerous fans from the participating schools and surrounding states, and created a new and exciting event in intercollegiate athletics.

“We are excited to give soccer fans in the area a chance to see all four teams in a special event and to highlight some of the natural rivalries that exist,” said Clemson Head Coach Todd Bramble. “In recent years, many of these games have been mid-week contest, but as coaches, we felt the student- athletes deserved a better atmosphere to reflect the quality of the games. We are expecting great crowds at Historic Riggs Field this weekend.”

“The Carolina’s Cup is a great chance for us to test ourselves against some great teams from our area,” said Charlotte’s Head Coach Jonathan Lipsitz. “Having top teams work together to provide the best competition is what college athletics is all about. Charlotte Women’s Soccer is excited to be included in a fantastic annual event.”

“Furman is excited to play at Historic Riggs Field this weekend,” said Furman Head Coach Andrew Burr. “The Carolina’s Cup will provide an excellent opportunity to see four of the best teams in the region compete at one event. We know Clemson will be a great host for the tournament.”

Furman is now 2-2 on the year. The Lady Paladins upset 10th-ranked Ohio State Sunday 1-0 at the Dayton Flyer Invitational at Dayton, OH. Last year, Furman finished second in the Southern Conference and returns nine starters from last year.

South Carolina has a 3-1 record this season. The Gamecocks defeated Rhode Island and lost to Cal State Fullerton this past weekend at the Auburn Tournament. South Carolina has 10 starters back from last year’s team

Charlotte has a 1-2 record so far this year. The 49ers will play at Tennessee Tech on Tuesday night before participating in the Carolina’s Cup. The 49ers have seven starters back from last year’s team.

Clemson has a 2-1-1 record this year. The Lady Tigers have recorded wins over Tennessee-Chattanooga and Kennesaw State. Clemson lost to William & Mary and tied Virginia Commonwealth in the William & Mary Tournament this past weekend. Clemson has been to 11 NCAA Tournaments in the last 11 seasons, every year of the program’s existence.

The Carolina Cup’s Schedule

Historic Riggs Field, Clemson, SC

Friday, September 9

Charlotte vs. Furman, 5:00 p.m.

Clemson vs. South Carolina , 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 11

South Carolina vs. Charlotte, 1:00 p.m.

Clemson vs. Furman, 3:30 p.m.