AUBURN, AL. (EETV)- On Friday evening, No. 11 Auburn soccer faced Kentucky at Kroger Field and placed a second tie on their SEC record for this season.
The first half was characterized by physicality, fierce defense, and an overall passionate battle between two respected teams. Auburn committed five fouls compared to Kentucky’s two. Fifth-year midfielder Sammie Brown committed two of the fouls. While both defenses shined, Kentucky was a little brighter, only allowing one shot on goal, while the Tigers gave Kentucky more chances to score with a total of four shots. Despite Kentucky's desperate attempts to score, Auburn's Senior goalkeeper, Maddie Prohaska, was her typical defensive self with two saves.
Going into the second half both teams desperately needed a goal. Auburn was hoping to move up the rankings and Kentucky was looking to defend their unbeaten record at home for the season.
Despite both teams' desperation for a goal, the second half ended 0-0 as well. This half, however, was more of an offensive battle for both teams. Auburn put up eight shots compared to Kentucky's three, with a total of eleven shots taken for the half. Even though the game became more offensive, the physicality did not die down. Between the two teams, a total of nine fouls were committed. Arguably the one that stood out the most was the questionable yellow card called on the Tigers grad student Becky Contreras. Luckily for the orange and blue, the free kick the Wildcats were given off the yellow card didn’t manage to reach the back of the net, resulting in another scoreless half.
This game is unique for the Tigers, as, on average, they score three goals and take over seventeen shots per game. The Wildcats didn’t follow their usual pattern either; on average this season, they have taken seven corner kicks a game versus only three this match. While this match was unusual for both teams, they were both nonetheless able to prove their defensive prowess in an exciting SEC matchup.
The Auburn Tigers will hope to add a win to their record in another 6:30 p.m. evening game on Oct. 24, when they take on Georgia at home in an “All Auburn, All Orange” match.
