Sept. 28, 2014
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LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Auburn University soccer team battled Kentucky for a tough 90 minutes Sunday night, but could not come away victors, falling 2-1 to the Wildcats, its second conference loss of the season.
Kentucky had the early advantage on the Tigers, scoring 27 minutes into the game. However, Auburn equalized just two minutes later on a goal from sophomore Casie Ramsier to tie the match going into halftime.
Both offenses battled for control throughout the second half, but it was the defenses that were the story of the night, turning away anything that came into the attacking zone. Kentucky finally was able to find a hole in the 66th minute, getting a game-winner, a deficit that Auburn wasn't able to come back from.
"I told the girls at halftime that I thought we played hard," Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa said. "It was a physical game and Kentucky is a quality opponent. They're big and strong and we didn't execute. We didn't connect and we didn't keep the ball when we had it, especially in the first half. Our effort isn't good enough and execution is something we're going to have to work on going forward."
Auburn's record falls to 6-4-1 overall and 0-2-1 in conference play, while Kentucky ups its record to 7-3-0 and 2-1-0 in the Southeastern Conference.
The Wildcats lit up the scoreboard first in the 27th minute, scoring in the run of play off the foot of Jade Klump, her fifth of the year. Klump received a rebound after a Cara Ledman shot was pushed away by Auburn keeper Alyse Scott. With the net not covered, Klump finished to give UK the 1-0 advantage.
Auburn had some close calls in their attacking zone as well up to that point and just two minutes later was able to push one across to equalize the game at one goal apiece.
After receiving the throw-in, freshman Kristen Dodson evaded defenders to find an open Ramsier at the top of the box. From 35 yards out, Ramsier sent a rocket into the top left corner of the net, her third goal of the year. For Dodson, it's her team-leading seventh assist and 11th point of the season.
"It was a great play by Casie," Hoppa said. "We had just dropped her back into midfield, then she got the ball at the top of the defense and had a perfect look and a perfect finish. That's what we've really focused on. We talked a lot on Friday night about how we didn't have a good finishing product and that's what we're looking for. When we shoot, get it on frame and make the keeper make a save. Casie did a great job of that tonight."
Both teams went into the locker room at the half tied at one, with both teams fairly even on the scoresheet. However, it was Kentucky that scored the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute from Zoe Swift that gave the Wildcats the victory.
Auburn had limited opportunities on offense Sunday night, but made the most of each shot as all seven of its shots were on frame with one finding the back of the net.
The Tigers will return home next weekend for its next set of SEC matches, starting with Ole Miss on Friday at 7 p.m. and then Tennessee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Both matches will be played at the AU Soccer Complex and admission is free.
For more information on Auburn soccer, visit AuburnTigers.com, follow the team on Twitter, @AuburnSoccer or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnSoccer.