Panthers Come up Short at No. 6 Clemson, 2-0

October 20, 2015

CLEMSON, S.C. – Despite playing competitively to the end, the Pitt women’s soccer team (10-4-1, 4-3-0 ACC) was unable to convert its offensive opportunities and fell to No. 6 Clemson, 2-0, on the road at Riggs Field on Friday.

“We’ve got to put a couple of those chances in,” said head coach Greg Miller. “We never really tested their goalkeeper. Our long distance chances were all over the goal. We have to have a little bit better attitude towards scoring goals. We can play with anybody and we’ve proven that against the best teams and best defenses. Creating is one thing, and scoring is another. Overall it’s a step in the right direction.”

Despite the result, the game served as another signpost of the program’s growth under head coach Greg Miller as the Panthers continue to compete with the ACC, and nation’s, best. In last year’s meeting of these two teams, Pitt trailed in shots on goal, 13-3. It was reduced to 6-3 on Friday night as the Panthers finished with four corners. The Tigers dominated that category last season, 11-1.

The result also marked just the third time this season the Panthers have been held scoreless, last by then No. 2 Florida State on Oct. 3.

The Tigers (11-2-1, 5-2-0 ACC) notched their first score in the 15^th minute on a goal from Jenna Weston inside the left upper 90 – her fourth of the year. That lead was extended to 2-0 on a header from Sam Staab in the 26^th minute.

Pitt spent large portions of the second half possessing the ball in its offensive zone, putting up six of its nine total shots in the period, but was unable to convert its chances into goals.

Notable moments included the likes of freshman Jarena Harmon (5’) and sophomore Taylor Pryce (76’), who both made spectacular back-side saves on balls cleared off the line, preventing two additional goals for Clemson.

The Panthers will return to action next Thursday, Oct. 22, when they travel to face Duke for a 7 p.m. matchup broadcast live on ESPN3.