With dogs on and off the field for Pups at the Pitch night, Clemson’s women’s soccer team continued its challenging early-season stretch by taking on the No. 15 Georgia Bulldogs, forcing a 1-1 draw at Historic Riggs Field.
Coming off back-to-back shutout wins against Appalachian State and Charlotte, Clemson split the points against its fourth top-20 opponent the Tigers have faced this season.
Head coach Eddie Radwanski remained optimistic about the result, viewing the tie as a step in the right direction.
“It was a good game,” he said. “We played the 15th team in the country. The competitiveness was right where we wanted it to be. We like to think we could’ve won that game. I think we had some opportunities, but we’re still a young team. We’re growing and getting better. I have no complaints.”
Clemson, 3-2-2, came out strong, striking first within the opening seven minutes. Freshman standout Juju Harris continued her impressive debut season, scoring her team-leading fourth goal with a shot just over the Georgia goalkeeper’s foot. Harris tallied five total shots, including two on goal.
“She’s always dangerous. She’s working hard,” Radwanski said of Harris. “If we can get her the ball in a good position, she’s a threat, as you saw.”
Georgia, 4-3-1, responded quickly, with midfielder Summer Denigan scoring in the ninth minute to even the match — which held for the remaining 81 minutes.
Georgia’s defense tightened up after the early Clemson goal, holding the Tigers scoreless for the rest of the match. The Tigers couldn’t push the ball past Georgia keeper Hannah Folliard, who made four saves.
The Tigers’ defense also stepped up, limiting Georgia’s chances after its goal. The Bulldogs didn’t attempt another shot until the 55th minute and ended the game with six total attempts.
Clemson keeper Nona Reason, continuing her gradual return to full action, played the first 45 minutes and recorded Clemson’s lone save. Senior Addy Holgorsen finished out the match in goal.
“We’re fortunate we have two top-notch goalkeepers,” Radwanski said
As the season progresses and players return to full health, the Tigers are aiming to hit their stride in time for postseason play.
“I told our team, we get to the end of September, early October, you guys are gonna look way different. And we’re trending in that direction,” Radwanski added.
The Tigers will return to action on Thursday at 6 p.m. against Stanford for Military and First Responders’ Appreciation Night.
