Halftime Observations: No. 8 Clemson 2, No. 2 Washington 0

SUMMARY

Isaiah Reid put the Tigers up just 27 seconds into the championship match when an Oskar Ågren clearance forced the Washington goalkeeper to make a decision. He missed in his effort to clear the ball leaving Reid in on an empty goal. The Rock Hill, S.C. native finished the job. Reid’s first-half scoring wasn’t done, as a brilliant cross off the left foot of senior Charlie Asensio found Reid about 12 yards from the goal. The junior forward lofted a header over the keeper, who watched helplessly as the ball sailed into the net, doubling the Tigers lead and giving Reid the team-high in goals on the season with nine.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• Stay on the front foot
  • The Tigers cannot afford to sit back and let Washington attack as they attempt to level the score. The best defense is staying on the attack and retaining possession, as Clemson has done brilliantly up to this point.
• Avoid allowing set pieces
  • Clemson has been playing aggressively on defense, which while necessary, the Tigers must be careful not to allow a cheap goal via set piece/penalty. With a two goal lead, it is crucial to make Washington earn every inch.
• Be Clemson
  • When scoring the first goal, the Tigers are 11-0-1 on the season. Head Coach Mike Noonan is 119-8-8 in such games while with Clemson. The 2021 Tigers have won every match when scoring at least two goals. If Clemson play like they have all year when ahead, it will walk out of Cary as the 2021 NCAA DI National Champion.

How to Watch

To the watch the broadcast, go to this LINK. Live stats can be found HERE. Follow @ClemsonMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date coverage.