Oct. 27, 2013
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AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn women's soccer team continued its quest to clinch a berth in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Sunday after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores, 2-1, at the Auburn Soccer Complex, for its second-consecutive conference victory and first conference weekend sweep.
The Tigers once again received goals from freshman Casie Ramsier and junior Tori Ball, while Alicen Wright earned her second victory of the season, fending off six shots and defending three second half corner kicks. The Auburn defense withstood the Commodore offense allowing only seven shots and one on goal, which allowed the Tiger offense to record 13 shots on the other end with five being at the net.
"Credit to our defense again," Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We never let them get behind us, we never let them get a clean look and I thought it was outstanding. We only gave up seven shots total and only one was on frame. You can't ask for any more from the back line.
With still one match to play in the regular season, Hoppa believes the team has done a great job of keeping the goal in sight and that is to play in the SEC Tournament.
"Our team is young," Hoppa said. "We've been developing and getting better each match. We weren't getting the results early on, but we played well each time and improved. The three ties were games we could've won, but the girls have done a great job of staying the course and keeping their heads in it. Our leadership has been terrific and now we still have a chance to get ourselves to Orange Beach."
After a scoreless first half, the Tigers came out of the locker room with a relentless offensive attack that paid off just three and a half minutes into the period. On the play, the Tigers earned a corner kick, which was taken by sophomore Haley Gerken. The kick was met by reigning SEC Freshman of the Week Casie Ramsier who scored in her fifth consecutive game. Ramsier's header sailed perfectly over Vanderbilt's keeper, Olivia Liebman, from fifteen yards out, giving Auburn the quick 1-0 advantage.
The Commodores responded with 17 and a half minutes remaining in the match as Cherrelle Jarrett was able to put the ball in the back of the net after Wright failed to clear the ball off a corner.
Even after the Vanderbilt equalizer, Auburn didn't waste much time regaining the lead as Ball was able to break free from the Commodore defense. After shimmying past Liebman outside of the box, Ball was able to net her sixth goal of the season, which ended up being the game-winner for the Orange and Blue.
Auburn outshot the Commodores 16-7 in the match while earning five corners to Vanderbilt's three. Vanderbilt's Cheyna Williams was also given a yellow card in the 88th minute.
The Tigers will return to the pitch on Thursday, Oct. 31 for their regular-season finale against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the Iron Bowl of college soccer. First kick is slated for 7 p.m.
For complete coverage of the Auburn soccer team, be sure to check AuburnTigers.com, follow them on Twitter, @AU_Soccer or like the Auburn University soccer page on Facebook.