Wake Forest vs. Clemson Women's Soccer
By: Kaitlyn Stocum
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The No. 4 Wake Forest women’s soccer (14-2-1, 7-2-1 ACC) clinched their 2026 Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Championship berth with a 2-0 win over the Clemson Tigers (6-5-6, 2-4-4), Thursday, Nov. 5, at Spry Stadium.
Shutout and shutdown 👊 pic.twitter.com/DM2dFeqZSV
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 6, 2026
Tonight’s conference win brings Wake Forest to a program record seven wins and 22 points, tying the record set in 2024. With just two losses, the Deacs match a program-record low, previously accomplished in 2007, 2011, 2023 and 2024
6. for. 6 https://t.co/4y3i30lq2G pic.twitter.com/pMdrnGUdHr
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
Action was quiet through the first 30 minutes of the match, with the Deacs leading Clemson in shots and possession, despite the scoreless game.
59' | Who else?? Sierra converts the PK! 😤
WF 2, CLEM 0 pic.twitter.com/eHU8AN2gYL
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
In the 32nd minute, the Demon Deacons were awarded a free kick opportunity at the top of the box. Sophomore midfielder Riley Cross stepped up for the free kick and punted the ball hard, as the strike hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net for the lead.
46' | Ready for the second half of action 💥 pic.twitter.com/CKStB69fUE
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
The Demon Deacons entered the break with a 1-0 lead and doubled it in the second half. In the 59th minute, Wake Forest earned a penalty kick for a handball in the box. None other than redshirt-junior defender Sierra Sythe went up for the PK, sending the ball to the top left corner for her 15th career goal and extending the Deacs’ advantage.
Up at the half 🫡 pic.twitter.com/PxOvOVGwmd
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
The defense provided crucial stability throughout the game, with sophomore defender Tahlia Zadeyan and senior defender Sammi Wiemann serving as shot blockers to thwart any Tiger attempts.
barDOWN ⬇️ https://t.co/b6TVgDPuWD pic.twitter.com/Tr1xkmfArB
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
With four saves tonight, redshirt-junior goalkeeper Valentina Amaral recorded her 20th career shutout and seventh of the season. Amaral concludes the regular season with 10 goals allowed in 16 appearances. The star keeper leads the ACC in shutouts and saves percentage and is second in goals-against average.
32' | Riley converts the PK 🔥🔥
WF 1, CLEM 0 pic.twitter.com/mfQ4oWKEfH
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
The Spry Advantage
The Deacs have posted a stellar 35-4-9 record at home since the start of 2022, with just two losses over the past three seasons.
18' | Searching for the opener 🔎
WF 0, CLEM 0 pic.twitter.com/9zskau3NDM
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
Demon Deacon Details to Note
Graduate student Henley Tippins made her 85th career start.
Sophomore Taylor Maxwell made her 25th start in her 30th career appearance.
Redshirt-sophomore defender Sierra Sythe made her 55th career start.
Sythe also tallied her 15th career goal and reached 20 points this season.
Sophomore midfielder Riley Cross recorded her second goal of the season and brought her season points to 11.
Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Valentina Amaral recorded her 20th career shutout.
Rain or shine, it's game time ☁️ pic.twitter.com/CwwPsd0cEO
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 5, 2026
From Coach da Luz
“I thought we controlled the game from the first whistle. We’re in a really good place right now, this team is super confident and motivated. I think our performance tonight and this season reflects the great leadership on our team. Dempsey, Sierra and Sammi really care about the team, and you can see that in our games. This league is really hard; there are so many good teams, and every single game is very difficult. We had another great performance tonight and were glad to get the shutout. We’re in a really good spot but still have a few things to clean up. Our goal over the next few weeks is to shut people out and score goals. We look forward to Sunday and hope everyone comes out to Spry for round one of the ACC Tournament!”
See you Sunday for round one of the 2026 ACC Championship 🤩
🔗: https://t.co/rkS3Q7JBst pic.twitter.com/KzzmFiNAO4
— Wake Women's Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) November 6, 2026
Up Next
The Demon Deacons will host the No. 6 seed Duke Blue Devils for the first round of the 2026 Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Championship this Sunday, Nov. 8th at 6 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed nationally on ESPNU.
godeacs.com

