No. 12 South Carolina women's soccer got its fourth draw in a row against Clemson in its Thursday match at Historic Riggs Field.
The Gamecocks started fast, launching its opening kickoff long into Clemson's half and applying pressure in the early goings, but after about five minutes, Clemson was able to settle into its attacking shape and put dangerous crosses into the box.
In the first 15 minutes of play, Clemson continued to press and make the Gamecocks uncomfortable until junior midfielder Christian Brathwaite set up freshman forward Juju Harris, but Harris missed the shot high. After 23 minutes, South Carolina was in hot water again as it was under video review for a handball in the box. Ultimately, no penalty was given.
In the latter stages of the first half, South Carolina weathered the storm. After coming on as a substitute, junior midfielder Reagan Schubach added needed energy, as she had a pass into the box fall to sophomore midfielder Kylie Cino, who just couldn't put the shot on goal.
In the second half, South Carolina seemed to have the edge, especially in the first 25 minutes. The team played with less risk at the back and utilized its width more effectively. Senior defender Micah Bryant, playing left back, and junior defender Amanda Patrick, playing right back, had the freedom to overlap and put in both floated and driven crosses.
The lone dangerous chance for Clemson during this time was Harris' counterattack chance, where she successfully created space to shoot against two defenders by cutting outside to the left side of the box, but ended up missing the top left corner by a few inches.
But as play continued in the second half, the Tigers slowly began to rise. Seventy minutes into the game, a shot by sophomore midfielder Anna Castenfelt was blocked, and about 8 minutes later, freshman forward Alessandra Washington had her shot blocked. The Tigers had the opportunity to get ahead when graduate student midfielder Renee Lyles struck a chance wide from inside the box off of a corner kick.
South Carolina had one more chance to take the lead with three minutes left, as there was a video review for a possible handball, but the referee did not award a penalty kick.
Clemson had the last kick of the game with a corner as the clock was ticking down under 20 seconds, but senior goalkeeper Christina Tsaousis claimed the ball in the air, followed by the final whistle.
Tactics board
The Gamecocks appeared to be using a 4-4-2 diamond formation but started the match attacking with more numbers committed centrally, deeper full backs, and three central midfielders who were not spread very wide. Clemson was able to play in a tight 4-4-2 defensive shape where it could easily cover central areas and stall Gamecock attacks.
In the second half, South Carolina's approach was different: it spread its midfield wider. This adjustment allowed the Gamecocks to play around the outside of Clemson's defense and also opened up space in important central areas. That's where South Carolina could find sophomore striker Katie Shea Collins making runs in behind her defender and freshman right striker Mackenzie Johnson coming back to the ball and receiving to feet. Junior midfielders Autumn Cayelli and Cuyler Zulauf also could be found more underneath the strikers, and they had moments of threat, and the fullbacks Bryant and Patrick overlapped more, resulting in more crosses into the box.
Wall of garnet
In the first half, there were only two fouls as the teams were settled in possession. But in the second half, both teams played with more urgency, and it showed in the foul count. There were 12 fouls, and all four yellow cards took place in that second half of play. From fighting to win aerial duels to clearing out crosses and throwing themselves in front of shots, both teams were in it to win it.
The Tigers had multiple spells where it looked likely to score, but Tsaousis and senior center backs Gracie Falla and Taylor Bloom made multiple key interventions. The Gamecocks' strong defense is why the team has only allowed one goal to start the season, and ensured that it earned its fourth draw in a row against its rival.
What's next?
South Carolina women's soccer has a home match against Georgia State at Stone Stadium on Aug. 31. The game will begin at 6 p.m. and will be streamed on the SEC Network+.