No. 13 Clemson Opens ACC Play with Win at Wake Forest Friday

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The 13^th-ranked Clemson women’s soccer team opened ACC play with a 2-1 victory on the road at Wake Forest on Friday evening. With the win, the Tigers improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, and handed the Demon Deacons their first loss of the 2016 season, as they fell to 8-1 (0-1 ACC).

Clemson had the offensive advantage in the first half, leading in shots, 7-4, and shots on goal, 4-3. The Tigers created a couple of good changes on offense, but were unable to capitalize in the first 45 minutes. Senior keeper Kailen Sheridan picked up three saves in the first half, including one from close range in the final minute of play.

The Tigers came out pressing offensively in the second half, and it took less than 13 minutes to put a goal on the board. Senior Claire Wagner handled a free kick from 40 yards, sending a beautiful ball into the box for sophomore Miranda Weslake, who headed it into the net for her second goal of the season. Six minutes later, senior Jenna Weston doubled the Clemson lead, scoring on a header off of a long throw in by sophomore Sam Staab. A Wake Forest goal in the 83^rd minute cut the deficit to one, but Sheridan and the Tiger defense held strong to pick up the win.

For the match, shots were tied 15-15, but Clemson had the lead in shots on goal, 10-6, and corner kicks, 7-5. Sheridan finished the day with five saves.

For the second week in a row, the Tigers have less than 48 hours to rest before returning to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 18 to host Presbyterian College. The match against the Blue Hose kicks off at 1 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field, and admission is free.

Head Coach Eddie Radwanski Quotes:“I’m pleased with our effort; I thought we put forth a good performance tonight. It’s not easy to go on the road in the ACC, and also not easy to play an unbeaten Wake Forest team on its home field.

“We moved the ball well and created opportunities in the first half. We talked at halftime about being more patient and lifting our quality in the final third, and we did that. We were more confident with the ball in the second half, and were able to get the two well-deserved goals. It was a great finish by Miranda Weslake on the first goal, and I was also pleased to see Jenna Weston score. She has been working hard and deserved something for her efforts.

“We were unfortunate to score an own goal, making it more difficult for ourselves in the last seven minutes, but I thought we managed the game and finished well. We got the result and that’s important in the ACC. To win on the road in the conference, we’ll take it.”