AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn soccer kicked off its 30th season in program history with 1-0 victory over Old Dominion Thursday. Junior Anna Haddock's goal in the 54th minute proved to be the difference-maker in the match.
Haddock's game-winner came unassisted after the midfielder took possession of an Old Dominion free kick, driving to the end line and utilizing a crossover paired some head's up positioning in the front post from redshirt-junior Marissa Arias to find a seam and fire a right-footed strike into the back of the net.
Nae Nae with the juiceee 🧃#FortKnox | @annahaddock_ pic.twitter.com/hbsNzhr0Ph
— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnSoccer) August 19, 2022
"Tonight was a really good start," Haddock said. "Under the circumstances, we rose through the adversity. There were some really promising things out there. I think if the ball bounces a couple of different ways, then the score sheet looks a little different. The grit and overall determination are something we can build on."
The Tigers victory came as two vital pieces of the team were absent Thursday. Head coach Karen Hoppa was missing from the bench due to illness and sophomore LJ Knox was struck with a family tragedy late Wednesday evening.
Auburn associate head coach Ben Madsen served as acting head coach for the game.
"First off, we're thinking about LJ and obviously, Coach (Hoppa)," Madsen said. "It's been a long couple of days, but I think the kids responded with their play, and we're real proud of them. Tonight, I saw a team that showed grit, fight and never gave up. That's all we ask for."
Grit was exactly what the Tigers' back line displayed, holding the Monarchs to just four shots with only one coming on-goal in the season-opening matchup. The effort was led by veteran defenders Madeline Moore, Hailey Whitaker and M.E. Craven and newcomers Hayden Colson and Erin Houston. Moore, Whitaker and Craven all went the distance on the night.
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska picked up the 14th shutout of her career with a complete-game clean sheet. Prohaska also recorded a save in the contest.
The Orange & Blue offense matched the Monarchs' four shots with 13 of its own. Senior Syndey Richards led the squad with three. In addition to Richards and Haddock, junior Maddie Simpson also placed a shot on target.
Auburn returns to the pitch Sunday, Aug. 21, as the Tigers are slated to battle Southern Miss. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. CT.