AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - The 1-0 victory in Athens, GA, has brought the Auburn women’s soccer team to be the last SEC team unbeaten. After playing a man down in the last 35 minutes of the game, Auburn stepped up and showed that they could win.
This match was not only a win, but the team’s first win against a top-15 team on the road since the win against the Florida Gators on Sept. 22, 2016.
“It was a wild one, for sure,” head coach Karen Hoppa said. “Red card, PK, defended like crazy. It definitely ranks up there just with this team gutting out a performance like that – a man down against an undefeated, top-15 Georgia team. That’s a big one, and I’m really proud of the girls’ effort.”
After receiving a red card 10 minutes into the first half, goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska was forced to leave the game. Shortly after, Sydney Richards kicks a game winning PK into the goal.
Richards said, “Honestly, I was just thinking this is practice and I’ve done it a million times. Let me just do what I do.”
Goalkeeper Dani Kaufman made an outstanding appearance on the field against the Bulldogs. She made six saves in the second half, and one on a free kick.
Karen Hoppa stated, “This is where our depth really showed out. We had some unbelievable performances off the bench. Obviously, ranking up there at the top was Dani Kaufman. What an unbelievable performance by her.”
In the second half, The Tigers won two corner kicks, but struggled to maintain the ball after. The tigers defense had to play every man back after the red card.
Anna Haddock gave up a free kick to M.E. Craven, prior to her earning a penalty while making a run on frame. Richards finished the play.
Auburn had 19 players participate in the contest for the second time this week.
The Tigers will continue to fight as they host their next match against Kentucky (0-3-2) at the Auburn Soccer Complex at 6 p.m. CT next Saturday.
