The Clemson Women’s Soccer team finished regular season play on Thursday, October 20th. They met expectations for the season. Picked to finish sixth by coaches and media in the preseason, they finished just above that in fifth place. This season was filled with game-winners, road upsets, and more memorable moments. Below is a list of the top five moments from the 2018 Clemson Women’s Soccer regular season.
1. September 20 – Win over #4 Virginia at home
The Virginia Cavaliers came to Clemson on September 20, undefeated and ranked number four in the country. The Tigers used a stifling defensive performance to hold the Cavaliers scoreless through regulation. Both teams had chances to score, but the goalkeepers kept a clean sheet. The Tigers won on a goal in double overtime by Mariana Speckmaier and was assisted by Sam Staab. This was the Tigers first win over a top five opponent in three years. The Cavaliers were not only undefeated in ACC play, but undefeated overall. After Speckmaiers’ goal, that was no longer true. This win gave the Tigers tremendous momentum heading into the long stretch of ACC play.
2. October 4 – Win over #10 Florida State in Tallahassee
Following two straight losses after the Virginia win, the Tigers needed a boost. They went to Tallahassee and goalkeeper Sandy McIver set a season high in saves with six. Miranda Westlake scored a goal in the eighteenth minute and the Tigers held on for the win. That win over the Seminoles was the first for the Tigers since 2001 and their first win in Tallahassee since 2000. The Clemson Women also handed the Lady Seminoles their fifth home loss since 2011. This was a program-building win and a season defining win as well. The Tigers went on to win three of their final five regular season games to qualify for the ACC tournament.
3. September 14 – Win over Miami in overtime
In the first ACC game of the year, the Clemson Tigers went neck and neck with the Miami Hurricanes. Mariana Speckmaier netted the first of her two game-winning, overtime goals this season. After being down 1-0 early in the match, the Tigers scored an equalizer in the second half. A Sam Staab corner kick led to the Speckmaier goal. I put this as number three on my list because it is huge to start conference play at 1-0. This gave the Tigers momentum to knock off number four Virginia just under a week later.
4. October 21 – Win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg
Clemson traveled to Blacksburg, Virginia to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in a late October matchup. The Tigers prevailed 3-1 with goals from Miranda Westlake, Mariana Speckmaier, and Courtney Jones. Virginia Tech finished one win behind Clemson in the ACC standings. If the Tigers did not win this game, they most likely would not have made the ACC tournament or give themselves a chance to make the NCAA tournament.
5. September 7 -Sam Staab Returns
After missing the first six games, Sam Staab returned to the Clemson lineup against West Virginia on September 7. Staab was playing with the United States under-23 team in the Nordic tournament. She scored a goal in the semi-finals and helped the US to win the tournament. Staab is the unquestioned leader of the Women’s team and her leadership was missed in the first few weeks of the season. Staabs’ return allowed the defense to work as a cohesive unit and get on the same page. This is essential to win games and make a run for the NCAA tournament.
