Clemson Women’s Soccer Team Defeats Charleston Southern in Exhibition Game

Aug. 16, 2008

CHARLESTON, SC – The Clemson women’s soccer team defeated Charleston Southern 4-0 on Saturday in an exhibition game at Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC. Four different players scored goals in the victory for first-year head coach Hershey Strosberg’s team.

Senior Molly Johnson put the Tigers on the board just 53 seconds into the game. Johnson knocked in a corner kick taken by Ashlynne Bass, which gave the freshman the assist.

Senior Julie Bolt scored Clemson’s second goal in the 15th minute of play. Freshman Tara Cort played the ball to Bolt, who made a nice play to put the ball into the net and give the Tigers a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Junior Molly Franklin netted the team’s third goal in the 49th minute with sophomore Samantha Fortier tallying the assist. Fortier got around the defense and drove the ball across the field to Franklin, who was there to finish the play.

Just over two minutes later, Fortier gave the Tigers a 4-0 lead with a goal at the 50:37 mark. Junior Lindsey Jackson brought the ball up the middle of the field and sent it to Fortier, who beat the keeper with a shot in the lower right corner of the net.

Sophomore keeper Paula Pritzen got the start in goal for the Tigers and recorded two saves in the victory. Sophomore Marci Elpers entered the game in the 88th minute and picked up one save. Three goalkeepers combined for six saves for Charleston Southern.

“This was a good first outing for us,” said Strosberg. “We wanted to push the offense early and create chances. We were fortunate to score in the first minute of the game by winning a corner kick on a play that we had set up from the opening kick off.

“From an offensive standpoint, there were some very good things done in this game. We were able to get a decent rhythm going in terms of moving the ball. At the same time, we are a young team, and while we saw good things, we also saw many things that we need to work on. We will work hard in practice this week in preparation for our home opener against UAB on Friday.”

Clemson will open the 2008 regular season at home on Friday, August 22 as they play host to Alabama-Birmingham. The game between the Tigers and Blazers is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Riggs Field.

Game Summary

Goals: Clemson – Johnson (from Bass) 0:53 Clemson – Bolt (from Cort) 14:15 Clemson – Franklin (from Fortier) 48:32 Clemson – Fortier (from Jackson) 50:37 Saves – Pritzen (CU) 2, Elpers (CU) 1, Uvalle (CSU) 2, Arroyo (CSU) 2, Budros (CSU) 2 Shots – Clemson 18, Charleston Southern 13 Corner Kicks – Clemson 6, Charleston Southern 3 Fouls – Clemson 4, Charleston Southern 4