William Stehn
Clemson forward Maria Manousos is a key returner for head coach Eddie Radwanski and the program.
Two seasons ago, the Clemson women’s soccer team made history with a national semifinal appearance in the College Cup. Now, head coach Eddie Radwanski is looking for growth to get to that point.
The Clemson women’s soccer team prepares for its 28th season in program history, finishing up its preseason with a 1-0 win over Ohio University. The win proved to be historic as Radwanski picked up his 150th career win with the Tigers.
“This is a collective effort,” Radwanski said. “It’s an honor to be at a place like Clemson. I love to be a part of a group that’s leading the women’s soccer program. We are trying to raise our level to attain a national championship, and this shows that we have good consistency.”
The team will have a tough task playing in the ACC this season, predicted to finish ninth in the fall campaign. Every other team ahead of the Tigers is ranked, with the top four teams — North Carolina, Notre Dame, Florida State and Duke — holding the top four national seeds in the country, respectively.
Radwanski’s squad goes into the season with a competitive schedule, playing two teams in the top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches poll. On Thursday, the team will travel to No. 14 Virginia Tech for its opening game of the season.
Then, a week later on Aug. 28, Clemson will host the No. 21 South Carolina Gamecocks in their annual Palmetto Series matchup at Historic Riggs Field.
As for returning production, eight players last season recorded five points or more throughout the season, and seven of those eight returned to the team. Top goalscorer Kendall Bodak returns, looking to build on her freshman year that saw her score three goals. The team’s assist leader, Jenna Tobia, enters her junior season with the goal of continuing to be a playmaker.
If the team is able to use its returning talent to steal an away win in Blacksburg, Virginia, later this week, it creates a top 25 matchup with its in-state rival next week, so get out to Historic Riggs Field and enjoy some top-tier college soccer.