LATE CLEMSON GOAL GIVES TIGERS 1-0 WIN OVER RU IN SEASON OPENER

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CLEMSON, S.C. - Radford pitched a shutout at Clemson for over 85 minutes Friday in the 2014 season opener for both teams. Behind redshirt freshman goalkeeper, Aitor Pouseu Blanco, who was making his first career appearance in net, the Highlanders went toe-to-toe with the Tigers for the full length of the contest. The Tigers scored the game's lone goal in the 86th minute to post the 1-0 victory.

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"This was a tough way to lose after playing well against an excellent Clemson team," RU head coach Marc Reeves said. "We can take a lot of positives from the way we performed and must continue to improve and unify as a group."

Pouseu Blanco made four saves on the night and, along with a stellar defensive effort by the Radford back line, kept the Tigers out of the goal for the better part of the night.

Offensively, the Highlanders had chances. Felix Steinhauser's 20-yard blast from the left side early in the second half nearly gave RU the game's first goal, but it sailed just high over the frame.

Thales Moreno's left-footed shot from the top of the 18 box was the only to find the net with 4:31 to play in the game. He beat a diving Pouseu Blanco to the right corner of the goal. T.J. Casner was credited with an assist on the play for Clemson, which was an NCAA Tournament team a year ago.

The Radford offense produced five shots and a handful of scoring chances, but could not push one past Clemson keeper, Andrew Tarbell. The RU defense allowed just five shots on frame for the Tigers.

"We have to be emotionally and mentally tough to turn around quickly and play a very strong Charlotte team that will be fresh from not having a game tonight," added Reeves.

Radford's tough early schedule takes no break as the Highlanders travel to No. 23-ranked Charlotte on Sunday for a 6:00 p.m. start.

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