Clemson Women’s Soccer Defeats #9 Duke 1-0

Oct. 24, 2003

Clemson, SC – Courtney Foster scored her ninth goal of the season at the 7:14 mark, and Clemson was able to withstand a strong offensive night by Duke as the Lady Tigers defeated the Blue Devils 1-0 at Historic Riggs Field on Friday night.

The Lady Tigers opened the scoring early in the first half as Courtney Foster scored her ninth goal of the season at the 7:14 mark. The play was set up as Allison Graham sent a driving free kick deep into the penalty area. Amanda Garcia was able to get her head on the ball and flick it toward the back post. Foster knocked the ball into the back of the net with her first touch.

The Blue Devils had a goal-scoring opportunity in the 37th minute. Goalkeeper Thora Helgadottir restarted a Duke direct kick, sending the ball into the Clemson penalty area. Clemson goalkeeper Lauren Whitt came off her line to clear the ball from the box. Duke forward Lauren Tippets was able to redirect the ball toward the empty net, but Britten Meyer was there to clear the ball off the line, preventing the equalizer.

Duke nearly scored in the 51st minute as Duke’s Carolyn Young sent a corner kick into the penalty area. Kate Seibert’s redirected header looked to be going into the back of the net, but again the Clemson defense came up big as Kate Clifton cleared the ball off the end line.

Lauren Whitt made four saves and the Lady Tiger defense endured Duke’s second half offensive pressure to preserve the shutout, Whitt’s seventh of the season.

“Tonight was the typical ACC matchup between two great teams,” said head coach Todd Bramble. “We really wanted to get good pressure in the first 15 minutes and we were able to get a goal. After that, we were able to defend well against some strong Duke pressure and protect our home field. I am very proud of our team tonight.”

With the win, Clemson improves to 9-5-2 on the season, 3-3 in conference play. The Lady Tigers return home on Tuesday evening as they play host to College of Charleston at 7 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field.

Scoring Summary:

CLEM – Courtney Foster (Allison Graham assists) – 7:14

Shots: CLEM – 10, DUKE – 12

Saves: Lauren Whitt (CU) – 4; Thora Helgadottir (DU) – 3

Corner Kicks: CLEM – 1; DUKE – 7

Fouls: CLEM – 12; DUKE – 11