Tigers’ Late Push Falls Short to No. 1 North Carolina
CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson fired off four shots, including three on goal, in the final 15 minutes of play to make a strong push, but ultimately came up short to the top-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, 1-0, on Thursday night at Historic Riggs Field. With the loss, the Tigers fell to 6-4-4 (2-3-2 ACC), while UNC improved to 12-1 (5-0 ACC).
“Good competitive game tonight,” Said Head Coach Eddie Radwanski. “Proud of how our kids played, especially in the second half. I thought we made some good adjustments. I thought we made it a little difficult for UNC at times, especially near the end. In the last 10 minutes, we were able to threaten the goal; we just weren’t lucky enough to stick it on target. We’re pleased with the resiliency and the never-say-die attitude. I think UNC would probably say that was one of their tougher games. We said to the team, if we come out and bring the intangibles we brought tonight, we’ll be in good shape, so that's what we have to continue to do going forward.”
The Tar Heels took control of the match early, getting multiple shots off in the first 30’ of the match. Graduate goalkeeper Nona Reason made two saves in the first few attempts on goal, but North Carolina broke through with a goal in the 37’. UNC got off two additional shots in the final minutes of the first, but Clemson’s defense provided a block, and Reason added her third save on the night to keep the Tar Heel advantage to one at halftime.
Similar to the first half, North Carolina stormed down the field in the opening minute of the second half to get a shot off, but Reason kept the Tigers in the fight with a save before adding another save four minutes later.
Clemson found another gear around the 70’ after a free kick led to a set play. Although the Tigers didn’t capitalize in the moment, the momentum stayed with Clemson as sophomore Natalie Brooks got the first look for the Tigers on goal with a shot from outside the 18-yard box that North Carolina’s goalkeeper Hannah Johann was able to save. A minute later, senior Dani Davis rattled off a two-touch shot that Johann knocked down.
Clemson’s offense continued to push the tempo as junior Anna Castenfelt cut back through the penalty box and fired a shot towards goal that went just wide to the left of the target. Clemson got one more look on goal in the final minutes of play, this time from Ella Bach, but the shot was high as No. 1 North Carolina claimed the 1-0 win.
Up Next
Clemson returns to action Thursday, Oct. 22 in Charlottesville, Va., as they face the No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers. The match will be available to stream on ACCNX.