No. 13 Clemson defeats no. 20 Auburn 2-1 in double-overtime
CLEMSON, S.C. (WOLO) – Mariana Speckmaier scored the game winning goal in a 2-1 double-overtime victory over the 20th-ranked Auburn Tigers on Friday night at Historic Riggs Field.
Clemson improves to 3-0 overall, while Auburn slips to 1-1-1.
In the 17th minute, graduate Jenna Polonsky scored to take a 1-0 lead with her third goal of the season. Sophomore Julie Mackin lofted in a cross that found the foot of Polonsky to give the Tigers a 1-0 advantage. After a few more opportunities Clemson took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Bri Folds of Auburn scored in the 54th minute, with a chip shot over Sandy MacIver to tie the match at 1-1. Neither team found the back of the net for the remainder of regulation, forcing overtime.
In the first overtime neither was able to find the back of the net, forcing a second sudden-death overtime. In the 102nd minute, Sam Staab took a free kick from midfield that was driven into the box that was then flicked on by Jeni Erickson only to find the foot of Speckmaier who put the game away. The goal marked Speckmaier’s fourth goal of the season, while Staab and Erickson earned their first assists of 2017.
For the match, the Tigers outshot Auburn 14-8, and 5-3 in shots on goal. Sophomore Sandy MacIver posted two saves in her 2017 debut for the Tigers.
The Tigers return to action on Sunday, Aug. 25 as they head to UNC Greensboro. The match is set to start at 6 p.m.
Clemson Athletics contributed to the writing of this article.
