Duke Tops Clemson To Reach Final Of ACC Women’s Soccer Championship

Nov. 5, 2000

DURHAM, N.C. – The No. 5-seeded Duke Blue Devils advanced to the ACC Women’s Soccer Championship game as they upset the top-seeded Clemson Tigers 1-0 at Koskinen Stadium on Friday night.

The two teams were evenly matched during the first half, as both teams took four shots. Neither team scored during the first half of play.

Clemson outplayed Duke early in the second half as the Tigers had several scoring opportunities. Duke took the lead at 65:40 when sophomore Carly Fuller collected a cross from junior Sarah Pickens and beat Clemson junior goalkeeper Katie Carson with a shot to the upper right corner.

“I don’t think Carly (Fuller) had a clear look at the goal,” said Duke head coach Bill Hempen. “We have been trying to get her to shoot all year long, and I think that window was about to close…It was a world-class shot.”

Duke freshman goalkeeper Thora Helgadottir sealed the victory for Duke with several key saves, including one at 84:20 when she dived to stop a header by Clemson sophomore Deliah Arrington.

“The game was about our missed opportunities,” said Clemson head coach Ray Leone. “We had enough chances to make it a better game. Maybe even put it into overtime.”

Duke (13-6-1) will take on defending ACC Champion North Carolina in the championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Koskinen Stadium. The championship game will air live on Regional Sports Network (Home Team Sports, FOX Sports South, Sunshine Network).

Scoring Summary Duke: Carly Fuller (Sarah Pickens) 65:40

Clemson (17-2-1)        0       0       --      0Duke (13-6-1)           0       1       --      1

Game Summary

Shots: Duke 6 Clemson 11 Corner Kicks: Duke 2 Clemson 6 Fouls: Duke 17 Clemson 15

Goalkeeper Saves: Duke (Thora Helgadottir) 6, Clemson (Katie Carson) 2