Pitt
6-11-0, 2-7-0ACC
Clemson
12-3-2, 5-3-1ACC
No. 20 Clemson Defeats Pitt Women's Soccer 2-1
10/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Box Score | GAME PHOTOGALLERY |
PITTSBURGH--Catrina Atanda scored the go-ahead game-winning goal 33 seconds after Pitt evened the score as No. 20 Clemson registered a 2-1 win over the Pitt women's soccer team Sunday at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The loss drops Pitt to 6-11-0 overall and 2-7-0 in the ACC, while Clemson moves to 12-3-2 and 5-3-1 in the ACC.
The contest marked the final home match for Pitt's three seniors: Alex Charlebois, Riliegh McHugh and Jackie Poucel. All three were honored in a pre-game ceremony at sunny and windy Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Pitt was in the match for the entire 90 minutes and tied the score at 1-1 in the 54th minute when McHugh scored her third career goal at Pitt. With Clemson clinging to a 1-0 lead, McHugh found herself alone in the middle of the field and sent a shot from 45 yards out over Clemson goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan's head and into the goal. It was McHugh's third career goal at Pitt and first of the season.
Thirty-three seconds later, Atanda scored her goal off a crossing pass from Katelyn Reeve at the 55:19 mark. Even after Clemson went up 2-1, Pitt generated several opportunities to score as both junior Roosa Arvas and freshman Taylor Pryce had chances. Pitt was outshot only 7-3 in the second half.
"In the second half, the wind was a game-changer for us," Pitt head coach Greg Miller said. "We had the wind and were able to create more chances and opportunities. Riliegh made a great play and scored on a long shot. We had great momentum throughout the second half, then 30 seconds after Riliegh's goal, Clemson scores. That's just inexperience and immaturity on our part. It was unfortunate. You have momentum, then you tie the game and you get too high and give up a goal."
Clemson's Emily Byorth gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the third minute when her shot from 25-yards out sailed into the goal's upper right corner. It was a tale of two halves for the Panthers, who were outshot 18-1 in the first half.
As she has done all season long, Pitt sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Francis kept the Panthers in the game in the first half. Francis finished the day with 11 saves, including seven in the first half alone. She made two diving saves in the first half off dangerous Clemson shots.
"We did not do a good job in the first half of dealing with their possession," said Miller. "We were on our heels more than usual and we didn't manage the game well. Credit Clemson, they are a very talented team."
Pitt's three seniors Charlebois, McHugh and Poucel all played their final home match as Panthers. The trio was honored in a pre-game ceremony which included introductions and photos.
"All three players have been instrumental in helping us build the foundation and framework for our program," Miller said. "All three have played key roles in our program. Hopefully, these younger kids can look at all three and take away what they've seen from Alex, Riliegh and Jackie. When we begin to have success, we'll look back to all three and their contributions. Their legacy will continue on."
One match remains for Pitt: at No. 3 ranked Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 1 in Charlottesville.
--PITT--
Team Stats
Emily Byorth
Shot from 25 yards out into upper right
3:03
Riliegh McHugh
McHugh shot from 45 yards out, over gk's
54:46
Catrina Atanda
Assisted By: Katelyn Reeve
Cross from Reeve, finish by Atanda
55:19
