AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn soccer secured its first SEC victory over the Missouri Tigers after an intense back-and-forth game. Thanks to the offensive prowess of fifth year Sydney Richards, the Tigers were able to come out on top with a 3-2 win.
Richards scored in the 33rd and 68th minute, recording her second brace of the season and fourth of her career.
The Tigers scored first with goals from Richards and senior Anna Haddock to give them a 2-0 lead heading into the half. Missouri came back eager to fight, scoring two goals in minutes 50 and 61. Quickly after in the 62nd minute, junior LJ Knox tried for a point but the goal was no good.
With a tied score and the clock counting down, Richards secured a gaol in the 68th minute to put the Tigers up by one.
"What a great win," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Boy, did Syd [Richards] sure shine and show just what she's made of.”
Richards is now one of seven former Auburn players in program history to record at least four braces in their career. She joins Auburn Soccer Alums Tiffany Smith (1993-96), Jill Palmer (1995-98), Tammy Waine (1998-01), Katy Frierson (2008-11), Casier Ramsier (2013-16) and Kristen Dodson (2014-17).
"We've been struggling to connect for a little bit, so tonight was exactly what we needed," Richards said. "It was a product of the team playing well together and finding good opportunities. I'm happy that I could make the most of those that came to me."
Auburn capitalized on their opportunities offensively, putting five out of six shots on target and converting three of them into goals.
Mizzou managed to create four shots, all of which were on target. Senior Maddie Prohaska made saves on two of those shots, bringing her total to 27 saves for the season and 219 of her career.
"Obviously, last week was not the result we wanted, so we had to take advantage of playing at home," Haddock said. "We knew our only option tonight was to get the job done. It's huge for our confidence to know that we've got the fight and that we're never out of a game. It feels great to get us back on the right at home under the Thursday night lights."
With a home win under their belt the Tigers are feeling back on track and ready to tackle the rest of their season.
Next up, the Orange and Blue will travel to Oxford, Mississippi as they face Ole Miss on Sunday, September 24th at 2 p.m. CT. You can stream the game on SEC Network.
