AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn soccer looks to build upon its hot start with another home matchup against Southern Miss, Sunday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. CT.
The game will be available for streaming on SEC Network+ and will also be broadcast on WEGL 91.1.
Admission to the Auburn Soccer Complex is free, and all Auburn Athletics staff members will receive complimentary popcorn and soda at Sunday's game.STARTING XIThe Tigers are 156-56-17 (.736) all-time at home under coach Hoppa. The program has posted a winning record at home in 21 of 23 seasons of the Hoppa era.
This season will mark the 30th in program history and the 24th under coach Hoppa.
In the 2022 preseason, Auburn picked up a 4-1 victory over Georgia Southern and dropped a 0-2 decision at No. 22 Memphis. Against Georgia Southern, Anna Haddock tallied two goals while Sabrina McNeill and Olivia Candelino each added one.
The Tigers begin the season receiving votes in the opening United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.
Sunday marks the third meeting in history between the Tigers and Southern Miss as each program has picked up a win in the previous two matchups. The last time the Auburn and the Golden Eagles squared off, Southern Miss left The Plains with a 2-0 victory in 2019.
Playing at home, the Tigers are 7-3-1 against teams from the state of Mississippi since 2010. Auburn's largest margin of victory in that time span was a 6-0 defeat of the Golden Eagles in 2013.
After leading the team in goals a year ago, junior first team All-SEC midfielder Anna Haddock provided the lone shot in the Tigers' season opener. The goal was the fifth game-winner of Haddock's career. scoring
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska picked up the 14th clean sheet of her career in Thursday's shutout, also picking up a save to bring her collegiate total to 133.
Against Old Dominion, the Auburn offense got 13 shots off, with 4 coming on-goal while the Monarchs were only able to place one of four shots on-goal. Haddock went 2-2 putting the ball on target.
The Tigers saw a pair of freshmen, Hayden Colson and Erin Houston, play significant roles on the back line to open the season. The two split duties with Colson earning the starting nod.PLAYER TO WATCH: SABRINA MCNEILLGraduate student Sabrina McNeill returns to the pitch in prime form after a season-ending injury a year ago. Since her return, the forward has been vital to the Auburn offense off the bench, getting repeated looks on-goal.
SCOUTING USMMohammed El-Zare will lead Southern Miss for the ninth-straight year as head coach. Last season, El-Zare led the program to the C-USA Tournament title game, falling to Old Dominion, 1-0.
The Golden Eagles posted a 10-4-3 record a season ago, going 4-2-2 on the road and 0-3 against SEC competition.
In its preseason exhibitions, USM logged a 3-0 record, outscoring opponents 18-1.UP NEXTThe Tigers hit the road and head to the home of the defending national champions, No. 1 Florida State, Thursday, Aug. 25. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT.