Sept. 18, 2016
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AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Despite holding an edge in both shots and corner kicks, the Auburn soccer team suffered its first defeat in conference play to No. 14 South Carolina on Sunday evening, 1-0.
The Tigers (5-4-0, 1-1-0 SEC) held a decisive advantage in shots in the second half, 7-3, and mounted three attempts on frame.
"We're frustrated," said head coach Karen Hoppa. "I thought we outplayed them in the second half and our players did everything we asked them to do, except for finish. I'm proud of our fight and I'm proud of our battle, but at the end of the day we've got to get it done in the box."
Bri Folds led the way with four shots, while Casie Ramsier and Taylor Troutman added a pair. Haley Gerken also contributed with an attempt on frame.
In goal, Sarah Le Beau went the full 90 minutes and made three saves.
Auburn nearly went ahead twice in the opening 10 minutes of play as Folds shot a one-timer that caromed off the opposing goalkeeper, while Ramsier sent in a curling effort that just missed the far post.
South Carolina (8-0-1, 2-0-0) converted in the 29th minute as Savannah McCaskill headed home the lone goal to make it 1-0 in favor of the road team. The score remained the same at the intermission.
The Tigers came out firing in the second half, inducing five corner kicks in the opening 17 minutes, but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Gamecocks held on to their slim lead and took the three points after 90 minutes.
Auburn returns to action with a two-match road trip, beginning at Florida, Sept. 22 and ending at Georgia, Sept. 25.