KENNESAW, Ga. – The Auburn soccer team pitched a 1-0 shutout in the team's exhibition opener at Kennesaw State Tuesday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Senior Jessie Gerow took care of the scoring in the contest for Auburn, while freshman Caroline Peterson chipped in with the assist in her first action as a Tiger.
Goalkeepers Kate Hart and Maggie Van Thullenar split action and each logged approximately 45 minutes in net to contribute to the shutout.
"It's always great to play these exhibition games against someone else to see how we do under game pressure," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We told the team it's a good start. We improved in each 30, which is what we want, but certainly we still have a lot to work on. It's a good start, and hopefully it'll get better between now and Friday."
After the two teams battled to a scoreless draw for the first 59-plus minutes of action, Gerow got Auburn on the scoreboard as she put a header into the back of the net with 28 seconds remaining in the second period.
The Tigers threatened to tack onto the lead in the late stages as Angeline Daly ripped a shot from 30 yards out that sailed just high and Abby Jacobs hit the crossbar from just outside the six-yard box moments later.
All in all, 20 Tigers saw action in the contest, including seven newcomers who got their first collegiate experience.
Auburn will close out the preseason with an exhibition vs. Mercer at the Auburn Soccer Complex on Friday, Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the contest is free.
The Tigers begin the 2019 regular season with a matchup at South Florida on Thursday, Aug. 22. The team will take on Syracuse in its home opener on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m.