Soccer Falters in Visit to No. 21 Clemson
CLEMSON, S.C. – Miami fell in its road match at No. 21 Clemson Saturday night, dropping its ACC tilt to the Tigers 2-0 at Historic Riggs Field.
Playing without the talented Jasmine Paterson for most of the match after the junior accumulated two first-half yellow cards, Miami competed well in the early going but fell with just 10 players on the field for the entirety of the final frame.
Two second-half goals proved the difference for the Tigers, who extended their unbeaten streak with the win.
“We executed our game plan really well in the first half. Going down to ten players with a few minutes left in the first and for all of the second half was difficult,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said.
Miami was outshooting Clemson for most of the first half before Paterson was sent off in the 44th minute. The Hurricanes battled, however, and entered the locker room with a scoreless match at halftime.
“We had some dangerous chances and connected well,” Monroe said about the team’s first half showing.
Clemson wasted little time in opening the scoring in the second half, as Salma Anastasio slotted home her fifth of the season to beat Lillard in the 46th minute. A goal from Abby Jones in the 55th minute doubled the Clemson lead.
Lillard made four saves of the night.
The match featured chippiness on both sides, with the two teams combining for 18 fouls.
Miami nearly halved the deficit on a shot from junior Ally Andreini in the 87th minute, but Clemson goalie Kailen Sheridan was up to the task. The sophomore made four saves on the night, including two stops on efforts from junior Natalie Moik.
“It’s unfortunate because we could have had a better result today with 11 players on the field,” Monroe said.
Miami continues its four-game road swing on Thurs., Oct. 23 at NC State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Raleigh, N.C.
