Four Second-Half Goals Lift No. 13 Clemson Over Syracuse
CLEMSON, S.C. (CAC) – Four goals by four different players and three assists by junior Shannon Horgan lifted the 13th-ranked Clemson women’s soccer team to a 4-0 victory over Syracuse on Thursday night at Historic Riggs Field. With the win, the Tigers improved to 8-2 overall and 2-0 in the ACC, while the Orange fell to 7-2-2 (0-1-1 ACC).
In the first half, Clemson controlled play offensively, leading the Orange 16-2 in shots, including 5-1 in shots on goal, but the Tigers were not able to capitalize in the opening 45. Clemson quickly remedied that in the second half, scoring three goals in the first 12 minutes of play. Senior Catrina Atanda netted the first in the 49th minute, her ninth goal of the season, and was assisted by junior Shannon Horgan and sophomore Miranda Weslake.
Freshman Julie Mackin scored on a header in the 54th minute. It was the second goal of the season for the rookie, the first since the Tigers’ season opener at Auburn on Aug. 19. Senior Jenna Polonsky and Horgan assisted Mackin on the goal. Just three minutes later, senior Claire Wagner picked up her fourth goal of the season. Senior Emily Byorth assisted Wagner, along with Horgan, who tallied her third assist of the day on the play. Junior Jeni Erickson capped off the scoring in the 87th minute with her first goal of the season, with assists by Atanda and sophomore Sam Staab.
Clemson returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 25 as it hosts North Carolina in a 1 p.m. match at Historic Riggs Field.
