CLEMSON, S.C. – Following a tough battle, the No. 5 Clemson Tigers dropped their season opener to the Auburn Tigers, 0-4. Two Tigers earned their first collegiate start and eight Tigers played in their first match for Clemson.
“We just didn’t get off to a good start,” Head Coach Eddie Radwanski said. “I thought that Auburn brought really good energy into the game and I don’t think we matched that. After we conceded an own goal, I think there was a little bit of doubt that creeped in and that was just unfortunate. Those things can happen and the reality is you win games and lose games so we didn’t win this game, but nothing’s changed. We have to get ready to come back on Sunday and start doing things well that we normally have done. It didn’t go our way today, but that’s why there is a next game.”
The Tigers went to battle early in the first half as they unfortunately suffered from an own goal three minutes into the match that shifted the momentum for Auburn. With Auburn being led by 13 experienced seniors and fifth-year starters, the Tigers were unable to respond with little chances in the first 45.
Clemson brought back the energy in the second half as they found more chances and had good-looks while in possession of the ball. The Tigers finished with 10 shots on goal and took five corners. The Tigers maintained possession of the ball for the majority of the second half as they started to build more momentum but ran out of time on the clock to get any shots past the post.
In total, Clemson held possession for 62% of the match, compared to Auburn’s 38%.
Freshman Kendall Bodak and sophomore Eleanor Hays both earned their first collegiate start and alongside them, six additional players played in their first match for Clemson.
Next up, Clemson will host High Point at Historic Riggs Field for the first home match of the season on Sunday, August 18. The match is slated for 5 p.m. and will be streamed on ACCNX. The theme of the match will be centered around celebrating the 2023 College Cup as the first 500 fans will receive their own “College Cup” drinking cup.
For complete coverage of the Clemson women’s soccer team, visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonWSoccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.