Clemson Women’s Soccer Team Plays to Double-Overtime Tie with USF Friday in Tampa

TAMPA, FL – Senior midfielder Vanessa Laxgang scored on a penalty kick in the 82^nd minute of the second half to tie the game and ultimately deliver a tie for the Clemson women’s soccer team in its contest against the University of South Florida Friday night at Corbett Soccer Stadium in Tampa, FL.

The tie, which was the Tigers’ second in the first three regular season games of the year, moved the team’s record to 1-0-2 on the season, while the Bulls, also playing their third game of the season, moved to 1-0-2 as well.  It was also Clemson’s second 90-minute weather delay in its first three games, as the contest was scheduled to kick off at 6 PM, but did not begin until after 7:30 PM due to lightning and rain in the area.

“There were a lot of positives from this performance in regards to the way that we played, took care of the ball and created chances,” said head coach Eddie Radwanski.  “The good news is that we created chances, however, we cannot afford to miss opportunities, especially when we have an open net.  We simply have to be better than that.

“I do give the girls credit for buckling down, playing like Tigers, and not giving up.  After conceding a goal, they stepped up to the challenge.  We had great ball movement on the play leading up to earning the penalty kick.  Then Vanessa Laxgang stepped up, like a captain should, and put the ball in the net.  While we still have a lot of work to do, a lot of good things lie ahead for this team.”

After a scoreless first half, the Bulls got on the board first, at the 48:36 mark, on a goal by Cara Patterson, which was assisted by Alex Myers.  USF held on to the 1-0 lead until the 81:49 mark, when the Bulls were whistled for a foul in the box.  Laxgang handled the penalty kick for the Tigers, scoring to knot the game at 1-1.  It was Laxgang’s first goal of the 2013 season, and the 12^th of her Clemson career.

The Tigers will return to Historic Riggs Field on Friday, September 6 when they play host to South Carolina at 5:30 PM.  That game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.

Clemson 1, USF 1

Scoring SummaryUSF – Patterson (from Myers) 48:36Clemson – Laxgang (penalty kick) 81:49Saves – Sheridan (CU) 1, Endler (USF) 9Shots – Clemson 19, USF 9Corner Kicks – Clemson 3, USF 4Fouls – Clemson 16, USF 16