Aug. 19, 2012
AUBURN, Ala. - Tori Ball scored twice off of corner kicks in a five minute span as Auburn ran its record to 2-0-0 with a 4-1 win over High Point (0-1-1) on Sunday afternoon at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
"We definitely felt better than we did Friday night; we were more cohesive and we played together better," Auburn Head Coach Karen Hoppa said. "We did a better job of finishing our opportunities today. I was really happy to get that four-goal lead. Overall we are happy to end this opening weekend undefeated."
Ball, who is a natural forward but has been a starting center-back to start the season, struck on a pair of right-footed corners as Auburn built its two-goal lead in just under 11 minutes. The first was a high, bending kick that High Point goalkeeper Jesse May was able to put a pair of gloves on but couldn't hold on at the end of the sixth minute. The second was even cleaner as it sailed to the opposite upper 90 at the 10:47 mark.
"This is a great way to start off the season," Ball said. "We did a great job of earning our 12 corners today."
Auburn, which dominated the run of play in its Friday night win over Georgia State but only came away with one goal, again controlled the pace of play on Sunday, firing off 34 total shots to just six for High Point. Though neither found the back of the net, Tatiana Coleman and Chelsea Gandy-Cromer each ripped off a team-high six shots in the win.
Auburn extended its lead to 3-0 nine minutes into the second half when Mary Coffed netted her second goal of the season. Coleman, again pushing the pace, ripped a shot high off the crossbar. When May was unable to corral the rebound, Coffed found herself in just the right spot to head in the rebound.
"It's always fun scoring goals and getting wins," Coffed said. "Tati's shot rocketed off the post and hung in the air for a long time and I could feel the pressure coming."
Freshman Alexa Allen netted Auburn's final goal of the game in the 63rd minute. Controlling possession at the top of the 18, she worked her way towards the middle of the top of the box before blasting a shot in for her first goal of the season.
High Point avoided the shutout in the 75th minute when Becca Hemby scored following a free kick.
Ball's goals were the fifth and sixth of her career, with five of them now going as game-winners.
Coffed's goal was the 13th of her career.
Auburn hits the road for its next two matches, playing at Pepperdine and UC Irvine on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
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