CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA — #8 Clemson defeated Liberty 2-1 on Friday, November 14, in a tightly contested matchup before 532 spectators. The Tigers secured the victory through a balanced offensive effort while Liberty pressed late in search of an equalizer that never materialized.
The first half remained scoreless despite both teams generating chances. Liberty's Ivy Garner fired two shots that sailed high, while Clemson's Anna Castenfelt and Elle Bissinger tested Liberty's defense from distance. The Tigers earned three corner kicks early but failed to convert any into scoring opportunities. Neither goalkeeper faced significant pressure until late in the opening 45 minutes.
Clemson broke through in the 19th minute when the Tigers found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. The goal came from open play after Liberty's defense momentarily lost shape. Clemson extended its advantage shortly after, scoring again in the 22nd minute to establish a 2-0 cushion. The Tigers' second goal came from another well-executed sequence that caught Liberty's backline off guard.
Liberty responded with urgency before halftime, pulling one back to make it 2-1 before the break. The Flames' goal demonstrated their attacking intent and set up a competitive second half. Both teams made multiple substitutions at the interval, with Clemson rotating four players and Liberty replacing four of its own, signaling tactical adjustments for the final 45 minutes.
The second half saw Liberty dominate possession and territorial advantage. The Flames earned seven corner kicks compared to Clemson's three, reflecting their sustained pressure on the Tigers' goal. Halle Engle and Ivy Garner led Liberty's attacking efforts, with Garner recording multiple shot attempts throughout the period. Despite the corner advantage and numerous scoring opportunities, Liberty could not find the equalizer.
Clemson's defense, anchored by goalkeeper saves, held firm when it mattered most. The Tigers' backline absorbed significant pressure in the final 20 minutes as Liberty threw additional attackers forward. Clemson recorded four saves to Liberty's three, a key statistic in a match decided by a single goal. The home team's defensive organization prevented Liberty from capitalizing on its territorial superiority.
Clemson now plays Vanderbilt in the next round.