Oct. 9, 2017
Auburn at Alabama
(5-4-3, 2-1-2 SEC) vs. (8-5-1, 0-4-1 SEC)
Match
| Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 6 p.m. | --> |
| Auburn at Alabama | ||
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" After the match was postponed two days due to the effects of Hurricane Nate, the Auburn soccer team (5-4-3, 2-1-2 SEC) is scheduled to square off with Alabama (8-5-1, 0-4-1 SEC) Tuesday. The Iron Bowl of soccer will kick off at 6 p.m. CT at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.
The contest will be streamed on SEC Network+ and is available on the WatchESPN app and online at WatchESPN.com.
Starting XI
Auburn holds a 15-7-2 advantage in the all-time series with Alabama and has won 13 of the last 16 matchups with the Crimson Tide dating back to the 2000 season.
The Auburn defense ranks tied for second in the league in goals allowed (three), third in goals against average (0.55) and tied for third in shutouts (three) during SEC play.
The D-Team allowed just one goal in its first four SEC games, marking the first time since 2004 and second time in program history the Tigers had accomplished the feat.
Auburn went 9-2-0 in SEC play a season ago and finished second in the league. The Tigers are 18-7-3 against conference foes over the last three seasons. That mark includes an 11-3-0 record at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
Auburn is 101-76-22 all-time in October. The Tigers have netted 345 goals (1.73 per match) and allowed 266 (1.34 per match). Over that span, Auburn has secured 72 shutouts, including 57 under head coach Karen Hoppa.
Senior forward Kristen Dodson was recently named a candidate for the 2017 Senior CLASS Award, marking the second straight season a member of the Orange and Blue has received the recognition.
Inside the Rivalry
The winner of the in-state rivalry takes home the traveling Iron Bowl Trophy, which Auburn has had possession of since 2012.
Auburn volunteer assistant Josie Rix played for the Alabama soccer program from 2009-12.
Freshman forward Kori Locksley's dad, Mike, is the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Crimson Tide football program.
Scouting Alabama
Alabama's eight wins this season are already just one shy of the Crimson Tide's win total from a season ago.
After winning eight of its first 10 matches, the team earned a draw against LSU and suffered losses to ranked Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M teams.
Junior midfielder Emma Welch has been one of the top facilitators in the SEC as she ranks tied for sixth in the conference in assists with six. She has added a pair of goals and leads the Crimson Tide with 10 points.
Player to Watch: Taylor Troutman
Troutman is the longest-tenured member of the Auburn back line that has allowed just three goals in its first five SEC matches and ranks tied for second in the league in goals allowed, third in goals against average and tied for third in shutouts. A converted forward, Troutman not only possess the skill of a tenacious defender, but also has the ability to start an Auburn attack by pushing the ball up the right side.
Up Next
Auburn enters the home stretch of its SEC and regular season with a match against No. 9 Florida Sunday, Oct. 15. Kickoff at the Auburn Soccer Complex is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.