LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky women’s soccer team gave up twofirst-half goals to drop their season-opening match to eighth-rankedClemson, 2-0, in the Kentucky Invitational Tournament.

Clemson jumped ahead just five minutes into the game as Beth Kellerconnected on a 30-yard shot to give the Lady Tigers an early 1-0 lead onwhat proved to be the game-winner.

Play see-sawed back and forth throughout the first half as both defenses heldthe opposing team in check. Kentucky midfielder Ali Rooney narrowlymissed a chance to even the score when her header sailed just wide. UK’sBrooke Hergesell also just missed a goal, with her header sailing inches overthe crossbar.

“Obviously we’re disappointed we lost this first game,” head coach WarrenLipka said. “But Clemson is a great team – ranked eighth in the nation.”Clemson increased their lead just three minutes before halftime as AmyGray’s attempted cross found the net to give the Lady Tigers their final score.

With the loss, UK falls to 0-1, while Clemson moves to 1-0. Kentuckyforward Kim LaBelle nearly pulled one back for UK as her shot was parriedover the crossbar by the Clemson goalkeeper. In the first game of theevening, Michigan defeated Missouri, 5-1. Kacy Beitel had a goal and asassist to pace the Wolverines.

Action in the Kentucky Invitational continues Sunday as Clemson takes onMissouri at noon, before Kentucky faces Michigan at 2 p.m. Both matcheswill be at the UK Soccer Complex located near Commonwealth Stadium onAlumni Drive. In last season’s meeting, Kentucky tied Michigan 2-2 in AnnArbor.

            1   2   FClemson     2   0   2Kentucky    0   0   0Goals - Clemson: Keller (unassisted), 4:03; Gray (unassisted), 41:59 Shots - Clemson: 14; Kentucky: 12Corner Kicks - Clemson: 2; Kentucky: 4Goalkeeper Saves - Clemson: 6; Kentucky: 4 Fouls - Clemson: 4; Kentucky: 6Attendance: 403