Virginia Draws With No. 9 Clemson 1-1

CLEMSON, S.C. – Cayla White made a career-high 11 saves as the Virginia women’s soccer team (5-2-5, 0-2-3 ACC) battled No. 9 Clemson (9-1-3, 3-1-1 ACC) to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night (Oct. 5) at Historic Riggs Field.

GOALS
9’ – UVA: Jill Flammia (Allie Ross, Yuna McCormack)
34’ – CU: Renee Lyles (Samantha Meredith)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia jumped out to the early lead with a goal from Jill Flammia in the ninth minute. The Hoos played the ball down the left side to Yuna McCormack who streaked into the attacking third before sending a centering pass toward the spot where Allie Ross redirected the ball toward the six for the Flammia finish.

Clemson then tied things in the 34th minute as Samantha Meredith, who was out wide on the right flank, slipped a ball in to Renee Lyles at the top of the six. Lyles redirected the pass toward the lower left corner of the goal for the equalizer.

The teams battled to a stalemate in the second half with White notching six of her 11 saves in the second period, including a diving snag at the back post that she caught and smothered at the right post in the 81st minute. It was the final chance of the night for Clemson, though Virginia would get three more opportunities with one shot saved and the final two just off the mark down the stretch.

NOTES ON THE GAME

• Jill Flammia’s goal in the ninth minute was the first of the season for the sophomore midfielder.
• Cayla White’s 11 saves passed her previous career high of seven saves.
• The Cavaliers are now 16-12-3 against Clemson all-time and 6-5-1 in games at Historic Riggs Field.

FROM HEAD COACH STEVE SWANSON
“Another hard-fought game in the ACC. I thought our team competed hard for 90 minutes. We had to make some adjustments at halftime, and I thought we dealt with their pressure better in the second half. Cayla White was outstanding tonight, as was our entire defense. We just have to keep pushing forward as we have another big road test this weekend at NC State.”

UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia continues to play on the road on Sunday (Oct. 8) when the Cavaliers take on NC State. Kick is set for 2 p.m. at Dail Soccer Stadium on ACC Network.