AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) – No. 19 Auburn soccer traveled to Tuscaloosa Thursday to take on in-state rival Alabama but fell in the 82nd minute for a 1-0 loss at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.
The game went down to the wire, with the first and only score coming in the last 10 minutes of the match by the Tide.
“A lot of that is credit to Alabama. They played a great game," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We had plenty of good looks but just couldn’t finish or get them on frame. That’s something we’ve got to solve before tournament play.”
Even with the loss, Auburn enters the SEC Tournament as a fifth seed, earning a first-round bye in Orange Beach.
“I’m really proud of this team to earn that bye," Hoppa said. "It’s massive to put you in the best position possible to try to win the tournament.”
Auburn fought hard, outshooting Alabama 16-14. However, only four of the Tigers' 14 shots were on goal. Anna Haddock tallied four shots and Hannah Waesch attempted three.
Defensively, the Tigers held their own until the 82nd minute. Maddie Prohaska made five saves, coming off the line during pivotal plays to contribute beyond her stops.
Despite early, aggressive attempts to gain a lead and last second efforts to tie the game, the Tigers' offense fizzled and fell short.
Making its 26th program and 21st straight appearance, Auburn (11-5-1, 5-4-1 SEC) will travel to Orange Beach, Alabama, to compete in the SEC Tournament next. After their bye, the Tigers will face no. 4 South Carolina Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
