Boston College Women’s Soccer Falls to Clemson in ACC Quarterfinals

The #19 Boston College women’s soccer team hosted Clemson as the four seed in the ACC Tournament this afternoon. The Eagles and Tigers had met on Sept. 30 for a 2-1 BC victory in South Carolina. Clemson got their revenge today, upsetting the Eagles 1-0 for their only home loss of the year and ending their ACC championship hopes.

The Eagles were able to stay on attack for much of the first 20 minutes of play, but had a few defensive scares that eventually bit them. Clemson’s Mariana Speckmaier blew between BC defenders in front of the goal and headed a ball past Alexis Bryant off a quick throw-in to open the game up 1-0. The Eagles played with urgency for the rest of the half but play swung back and forth with neither team producing another goal. Clemson drew seven first-half corners, but the Eagles were able to defend effectively.

BC attacked frantically in the second half, searching for the equalizer that proved elusive. The Eagles pushed up more and more players and ripped off fourteen shots in the second half. The best scoring chance came with about 2:30 to play when Clemson keeper Sandy Maciver made a diving block of a header in front of the net off a Sam Coffey corner kick. Clemson was able to knock the rebound out of the box, and Gaby Carreiro did not get the call after being knocked down inside the box while recovering possession.

This loss eliminates BC from the conference tournament, while Clemson advances to the semifinals to take on North Carolina. It is a disappointing end of this tournament for the Eagles, who sit now at 14-4-1 overall. They will await the end the conference championships and hope for a berth in the NCAA Tournament, which begins on November 9.