Clemson Women’s Soccer Team Defeats Belmont in Overtime Friday in Nashville, TN

Aug. 27, 2010

NASHVILLE, TN – The Clemson women’s soccer team defeated Belmont by a score of 2-1 in overtime on Friday night in Nashville, TN. Sophomore forward Maddy Elder scored the game-winning goal for the Tigers in the 98th minute of play. With the win, Clemson improves to 3-0 on the season, while the Bruins fall to 0-2.

Freshman forward Jackie Dutton put the Tigers on the board in the 36th minute, scoring her second goal of the season. Elder tallied an assist on the play, her second of the season. Belmont tied the game with less than seven minutes to play in regulation. The goal, which sent the game into overtime, was scored by Lauren Paynter with an assist from Erica Carter.

Elder netted the golden goal for Clemson in the 98th minute, eight minutes into the first overtime period. The goal, which was scored on a penalty kick, was the fourth of the season for Elder.

Clemson took 13 shots in the game, while Belmont took 10, and the Tigers had three corner kicks, to the Bruins five. Freshman keeper Lauren Arnold recorded three saves in goal for Clemson, while two keepers combined for seven saves for Belmont.

“The girls fought tonight, but you have to be able to fight for 90 minutes,” said Head Coach Hershey Strosberg. “We played well at times, but at times we showed that we need to continue to work, mature and manage the game.

“We were disappointed to give up the late goal, which energized Belmont. They were a scrappy, athletic team. I was pleased that even after they scored so late in the game, we responded positively. We were being dangerous and creating opportunities and as a result, we earned a legitimate penalty kick, which Maddy put away cleanly.

“As I told the team, the games are only going to get more difficult. So, while it was great to get a win, we need to get back to work and iron out the things we need to improve.”

The Tigers will return to action on Friday, September 3 as they face Furman on the road in Greenville, SC. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM at the Paladins’ Eugene E. Stone III Stadium. Clemson’s next home game will be on Sunday, September 5 at 1:00 PM against North Florida.

Clemson 2, Belmont 1 (OT)

Game Summary Goals: Clemson – Dutton (from Elder) 35:16 Belmont – Paynter (from Carter) 83:00 Clemson – Elder (penalty kick) 97:39 Saves – Arnold (CU) 3, Berner (BU) 4, Lin (BU) 3 Shots – Clemson 13, Belmont 10 Corner Kicks – Clemson 3, Belmont 5 Fouls – Clemson 7, Belmont 6