Guion Converts In Overtime For Clemson’s Fifth Straight Win

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson women’s soccer team (11-4-0, 5-3 ACC) defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-8-2, 2-5-2 SEC) by a 1-0 score, closing out its home slate for the 2020-21 season at 7-0-0. The perfect home record for this year’s squad marks the first time in program history that a team has concluded their home season without suffering a loss or draw.

“This place is special and I think we all know that,” 10th year Head Coach Eddie Radwanski spoke on the home season. “It’s an honor to play here and represent Clemson and really speaks volumes to the wins we had here this season. To be able to do it for the first time is a credit to the players and the work they have put in.”

Within the opening ten minutes, Clemson added on the pressure, recording two shots on goal and a goalline push by Maliah Morris nearly resulting in a goal for the home side. Despite the strong offensive charge from the Tigers, both squads would enter halftime without finding the back of the net. The Tigers dictated play for a majority of the first half, landing three of their four shots on target. 

Entering the final 45 minutes of regulation, the Tigers carried the momentum over as Maliah Morris headed a service from across the field within inches from besting the flailing arm of Alabama’s goalkeeper McKinley Crone. With Crone able to get a piece of it, play remained scoreless. Clemson maintained the possession battle across the remainder of regulation and despite a series of chances nearly breaking the silence, the two sides headed into overtime. 

In just their second overtime match of the season, and second at home, Clemson dominated play with much of the opening minutes being handled within the attacking third. A foul committed inside the box by Alabama’s Reyna Reyes in the 98th minute placed junior Renee Guion on the penalty spot. Able to convert, Guion clinched the match for the Tigers, placing a well-struck ball to the bottom left of the net. The golden goal was Guion’s second goal of the year and third of her career. 

“We don’t take winning for granted – winning is hard,” said Radwanski. “Proud of our kids for working hard and being resilient in this match. This was almost like an NCAA Tournament game with how close it was.”

14 players recorded minutes in the match as the Tigers led the Crimson Tide 11-8 in shots while freshman goalkeeper Halle Mackiewicz improved her record to 3-2-0 with four saves on the afternoon. 

Clemson’s focus now shifts to the regular-season finale as they head to Columbia, S.C. for an in-state rivalry match against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The match is set to kickoff off from Stone Stadium on Saturday, April 10th at 6 p.m. with coverage on SEC Network+.

*Courtesy photo provided by Clemson Athletics