Sept. 28, 2007
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn opened the SEC season up in style as they defeated Kentucky. Gabi Rivera, Caitlyn King, Becca Howell and Jenni Prescott all scored goals for the Tigers as they defeated the Wildcats 4-1.
"That was one of our best SEC performances ever," Auburn Head Coach Karen Hoppa said. "The movement and combinations we were able to have on offense were amazing. It was one of the most dynamic offensive performances we have ever had."
Auburn trailed for only a few minutes in the match, as Kentucky scored first 12:14 into the first half. Auburn answered that goal when Gabi Rivera started Auburn's scoring at the 14 minute mark off an assist from Monica Afanador.
"One of the most significant points in the game was our first goal," Hoppa said. "Being able to tie the game up only minutes after they scored was huge. It really set the tone for us the rest of the game."
Caitlyn King gave Auburn the lead when she placed the ball in the back of the net from inside the 6 off of the assist from Kara Kasten. Monica Afanador got her second assist when she found Jenni Prescott just inside the 18. Prescott was able to elude a Wildcat defender and kick the ball just over the keeper's head.
Becca Howell put the icing on the cake as she scored from the 18, assisted by Caitlyn King. Goalkeeper Allison Whitworth had another solid performance picking up five saves and the win.
Auburn returns to the field on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2pm against Vanderbilt. The match will take place at the Auburn Soccer Complex.