The Syracuse women’s soccer team lost to the Clemson Tigers Sunday afternoon, as the team gave up a goal via a free kick with six seconds remaining in the match.
For over 80 minutes, both the Tigers and the Orange were locked in a 1-1 standstill. The first goal for Syracuse was scored by Mia Klammer, who broke away from the defense and buried the ball in the back of the net. Clemson answered two minutes later, however, silencing the home crowd at the SU Soccer Stadium.
The Tigers had a chance to take the lead in the first half but missed a penalty kick wide right. A few moments later, Klammer nearly had her second goal but couldn’t find the angle as she shot it straight towards the keeper.
Klammer dribbles the ball during an afternoon game at the SU Soccer Stadium
The Orange used their momentum to create more opportunities before halftime, including a 3-on-2, which featured a strong-side shot attempt that went just above the crossbar.
During the second half, both teams continued to battle in transition, but neither unit was able to gain much traction thanks to the opposing defense. But that changed with about 10 minutes remaining.
The Tigers had a clean look from right around the 6-yard marker, but the ball ricocheted off the right post. Despite getting a second chance off the rebound, senior goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch was able to make the save.
With Syracuse now possessing the ball immediately afterwards, the Orange were able to find an open look from the 18-yard box, which hit the crossbar. Syracuse then had about three other chances to score but could not capitalize on them.
Those missed opportunities proved to be costly, as the Orange committed a foul just outside the penalty box with less than 30 seconds left in the match. As time continued to wind down, the referee signaled a stoppage to the clock, allowing the Tigers to get the direct kick off without having to worry about time expiring.
Vanderbosch makes a leaping save
Unfortunately for the Orange, the shot was executed to precision, as the ball curved around the wall of Syracuse players and past the extended arm of a diving Vanderbosch.
After the game, Head Coach Nicky Thrasher Adams said it was frustrating to have a game within reach end in the hands of the officials.
“Our girls worked so freaking hard, and then seven seconds determined the game because of a call that should have never stopped the clock,” Thrasher Adams said. “I don’t know why we’re stopping the clock. I’ve never seen anything like it.
The fifth-year veteran coach acknowledged that the team has to do a better job of not fouling; however, Thrasher Adams also said that her group played with tons of perseverance. Of all the players, she highlighted the gutsy performance of Shea Vanderbosch, who had 11 total saves.
“This was probably her best overall performance all year. She was clean [with] her saves, and her decision-making was good. Her clearances were good. She was fantastic–player of the game.”
Thrasher Adams watches her team during a match
The Orange will face Miami on the road next Saturday at 7 PM and will return to their home pitch in two weeks when they face Boston College at noon.
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