CLEMSON (SC) — The #6 Clemson Tigers got all they could handle Friday night in Clemson, SC. The Tigers had to use late game heroics to best the Flyers in the marquee matchup of the 2000 Clemson Nike Invitational. Dayton entered the showcase 0-1 while Clemson came sporting a 2-0 record, including a win over #14 UCLA.

Clemson controlled much of the action in the first half. The Tigers started off the scoring in the 24th minute as Lea Shreve collected a misguided clear from a corner kick and drilled a shot past Dayton keeper Stephanie Weisenfeld. Play was a bit choppy as UD’s young squad adjusted to the environment and pace of play. The Flyers struggled to piece together more than two consecutive touches, much to the credit of Clemson’s speed and aggressiveness. The Tigers outshot the Flyers 10-1 in the first half.The second half was entirely different however. The Flyers were more aggressive and confident, and found themselves controlling the ball and penetrating the Clemson defense on numerous occasions. As forward Missy Gregg attracted multiple defenders, Kara Kenney managed to open holes with superb footwork and good decision-making. Kenney, the freshman forward from Acworth, GA, finally found the net in the 71st minute on an assist from Megan McKnight for her first collegiate goal.

The score remained tied with 1:03 to go when Lindsay Browne played a beautiful cross from Deliah Arrington to give the Tigers a 2-1 advantage on the rain-soaked pitch at Historic Riggs Field. Clemson managed to fend off the surging Flyers in the closing seconds of play and claim their third victory of the season.

The inspired Dayton squad tallied seven shots on goal in the second half, while their defense stifled the #6 team in the nation, allowing them only two shots after giving up 10 in the first half.

The Flyer showing was particularly inspiring considering the elements and conditions they fought under. Overcast weather aside, Dayton fought a Top-10 team toe-for-toe on one of the most dominant home field advantages in the country. Historic Riggs Field started out as the football field for Clemson Tiger gridiron contests, but has now become one of the nicest soccer-only facilities in the country. The Clemson mens program won a national title in the mid-80s in the very same year Clemson University hosted the NCAA Soccer Championships. The facility holds over 6,500 fans and presents an intimidating place for visiting teams to win at. The Clemson mens and womens soccer programs have better than an .800 winning percentage on their home turf — a real compliment considering the ACC puts nearly every affiliated school in the Top-25 on both the mens and womens side.

Sunday, September 3, 2000

Dayton 3 Auburn 1

CLEMSON (SC) — On Sunday, the Flyers faced the Auburn University Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers entered the contest undefeated at 3-0 while the Flyers were looking to enter the win column after two consecutive defeats to open the season.

Play was fairly even in the first half until Missy Gregg started things off with a goal in the 31st minute. Senior captain Ingrid Zielke and sophomore Bridget Bushman moved the ball from right to left across the box and set up Gregg for the strike. Both were credited with an assist.

With showers falling, Auburn tied the game in the 65th minute. Ginger Sellick fired a rocket into the Flyer net. Stephanie Weisenfeld, however, had another strong showing in goal, collecting 10 saves in all. The suburban Chicago native had a league leading 1.19 goals-against average in 1999.

Dayton regrouped however and were not to be outdone on this day. In the 78th minute, Bridget Bushman placed a beautiful shot in the upper right corner of the Auburn goal off an assist from Melissa Buck. Buck was not finished. Less than a minute later, Buck found Gregg for a patented header past the Auburn keeper. The goal was Showtime’s third, giving the Hermann Finalist six points on the young season.Overall, Dayton got a good look at the future of its program and things look bright after their showing at the Nike Clemson Invitational. Coach Tucker opted to start both games with four freshmen — including walk-on standout Nina DiGuardi. The highly regarded newcomer, Judi Aschenbrener, did not see action due to injury. The young influx of talent combined with upperclass leadership should make the 2000 edition of the Dayton Flyers a formidable force in the Atlantic-10 as the conference season approaches.

UDPride will publish photos of the Flyer action at the Nike Clemson Invitational very soon so check the home page for the developments.