5
Oct, 2021
Internationals SC alums Sydney Dawson and Emma Lerner have experienced great success at Clemson University, propelling the women’s soccer program to a 7-2-0 record this season. This includes a 2-0-0 record in conference play and a 5-0-0 record at home.
Dawson, who hails from Akron, Ohio, has played 188 minutes in five games this season. Prior to this season, Dawson made 62 appearances for the Tigers, and 57 of these were starts. She was also a member of the ACC Honor Roll in 2018-2019.
"We have performed well in the last few games, coming off of good performances against South Carolina and Pitt, which is creating good momentum for us as we head into the weekend,” Dawson said. “Our practices have been very competitive and everyone is putting in the work to be ready for the games ahead. I think we are really starting to click as a team and am excited to show that in our upcoming games."
Dawson experienced her greatest success at the national team level, attending 14 national team training camps at the U-18, U-19, and U-20 levels. She played in 17 matches with the national team, traveling to Northern Ireland, Australia, China, and the Czech Republic.
Lerner has played 137 minutes in five games this season. The Mentor, Ohio native is playing meaningful minutes despite being in her freshman season.
"So far, this season has been filled with many highs that have made the journey incredibly rewarding,” Lerner said. “What I have loved most is getting the opportunity to be surrounded by this group of such insanely talented and hard-working players. We always talk about grit and I believe, in my time here so far, that I have seen what this word is all about. I am thrilled to keep the momentum going, and I'm excited to see this group continue to thrive as we enter ACC play."
Lerner earned a plethora of awards before joining Clemson, including Greater Cleveland All-Conference and All-Cleveland Regional Team honors. She was also part of ISC’s U19 ECNL national runner-up team last season.
Clemson women’s soccer head coach Eddie Radwanski has been pleased with the progress of Dawson and Lerner. "Sydney and Emma come from a well-established club, not only in the area, but a club that is nationally renowned,” Radwanski said. “Their club and coaches do an excellent job of preparing their players for the college level, so they have good soccer IQs, and they're trained at a high level. They helped develop those kids, and that is an attractive tool when you're recruiting somebody that they're coming out of an environment like that. I know that is something we have always factored in, and it means a lot coming from a club of that status."
Internationals SC Club and ECNL Director Keri Sarver has been impressed with the duo’s progress in the collegiate game. "We are so happy to see Syd and Emma thriving at Clemson,” Sarver said. “It is such a special honor and opportunity to play ACC soccer and I am thrilled that they have a chance to experience the high level of play and professionalism in the league. Sydney grew up in the club from U9 through U19 and brought and unmatched level of composure and consistency day in and day out. Emma came to the club a bit later in her youth career but she immediately fit in and made an impact. She was a warrior for us in our National Championship run last season and to see her make a smooth transition into the highest level of college soccer brings us great pride. It's awesome for us to see them on the field together as one closes out a great college career and the other is just getting started. We have an enormous amount of respect for the Clemson program and coaching staff. They have been able to sustain such a high level year after year, and we hope to be able to continue to send players who can help push the program forward. "
The success of Sydney Dawson and Emma Lerner at Clemson provides further proof that Internationals SC’s “next level” approach truly prepares players for the collegiate game.
Photo Credit: Erin Francese and Lawton Hilliard