Nov. 11, 2016 No. 16 Auburn vs. South Alabama
(14-6-0) vs. (15-5-1)
Match
| Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 | 12 p.m. | |
| Auburn vs. South Alabama | ||
AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn soccer team begins its 14th NCAA Tournament Saturday when it plays host to South Alabama. Kickoff for the fixture is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The Tigers (14-6-0) come into the matchup as a national seed for the third time in program history and are the first team in the Auburn record books to do it in back-to-back seasons. Auburn has won nine of its last 11 tilts in 2016, including a string of seven in a row from Sept. 22-Oct. 20.
Auburn has played in 22 NCAA Tournament matches, winning nine, but are 8-5 in first round contests. The Tigers have won their last four opening round contests, dating back to 2011.
As the home team, Auburn holds a 4-2 record in the postseason all-time. In its most recent elimination match at the Auburn Soccer Complex, the Tigers prevailed over Southeastern Louisiana, 1-0, behind a goal from Kristen Dodson off an assist from Casie Ramsier.
Auburn and South Alabama (15-5-1) are set to duel for the 13th time in series history that goes all the way back to 1994. The Tigers tout a 7-0-0 mark against the Jaguars at home all-time.
The two teams have met previously this season in Mobile, when a header from Courtney Schell sent Auburn to a 1-0 victory in double-overtime.
Tickets for Saturday's match at the Auburn Soccer Complex are now on sale through the Auburn Ticket Office. Fans can go online and purchase tickets at www.aubtix.com or call the main ticket office at 334-844-4040.
Prices are $8 for the general public, and $3 for children ages 3-17 and seniors ages 65 and up. Children under the age of two will be allowed in for free.
All Auburn students who show their Auburn Ignited card will be given free admission.
Fans who have purchased tickets may pick up their order at the ticket office located at the Auburn Arena between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. All tickets purchased in advance will be moved to Will Call, which opens at the Auburn Soccer Complex one hour prior to kickoff.
The winner of the match will face the winner of the UConn-Albany duel in the NCAA Tournament Second Round on Friday, Nov. 18.
Player to Watch: Haley Gerken
Senior co-captain Haley Gerken has been a mainstay in the midfield for the Tigers this season, leading both by communication and play on the field. Gerken has tallied one point in the last two matches, assisting on one goal against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament - a 3-1 victory for the Tigers. The Birmingham, Ala. native has 20 career points by way of 14 assists and three goals.
Inside the Series: South Alabama
The Tigers and Jaguars have battled 12 times in series that dates back to 1994. Auburn holds an 11-1-0 advantage in the series and has won the last 10 contests. South Alabama's win came in a 1-0 decision in Mobile, Ala. in 1994. In total, the Tigers have amassed 35 goals and allowed just six in the 12 meetings. There have been nine shutouts combined between the two teams, with Auburn notching eight of them.
An Auburn Win Would...
A win by Auburn would advance the Tigers to the NCAA Second Round for the ninth time in program history and the third consecutive season, all under head coach Karen Hoppa.
On This Day...
On Nov. 12, 2011, Auburn advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament behind a 2-1 win against Utah State on home soil. Tori Ball and Katy Frierson each chimed in with goals to pace the offense, while Amy Howard went the distance in goal and made one save to keep Auburn's season rolling along.
Home Cookin'
The Tigers have amassed seven victories inside the friendly confines of the Auburn Soccer Complex in 2016. In home matches this season, Auburn has outscored opponents 15-10 and have notched four shutouts in that span. As a team, the Tigers are allowing just 0.91 goals per game, while maintaining a 1.36 scoring clip.
Staggering Statistic
Three is the lucky number for the Auburn soccer program. Since head coach Karen Hoppa took over in 1999, the Tigers are an astounding 95-1 when scoring at least three goals in a match and have won their last 59 decisions.