AUBURN, Ala. — Returning to the friendly confines of the Auburn Soccer Complex, the Auburn soccer team (4-2-4, 0-2) is set to host No. 13 Ole Miss (8-0-2, 2-0) for its home opener in conference play.
The game will be broadcast on SEC Network with Alex Perlman and Marion Crowder on the call. First kick is set for 3 p.m. CT.
Following a rainout of the previous attempt, the match will also serve as the annual Pups at the Pitch game.
Each pet will require a completed waiver upon arrival. Waivers may be located at the athletics marketing table.
"Ole Miss is going to be another big challenge for us this weekend," Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Obviously, it's a team and coaching staff that we are very familiar with, and we know they're going to give us their best. We started to piece some good things together last game, so we're going to look to continue that and capitalize on those opportunities in this next one."
Ole Miss leads the all-time series 12-13-4; however, the Tigers hold the 7-5-2 advantage when squaring off on The Plains. Both squads last met Oct. 24, 2021, in Oxford, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw in double overtime. Each of the last two meetings between the programs has ended in a draw and each of the last three has required extra time. Due to an NCAA rule change, no overtime will be permitted until postseason games this year.
For the Tiger offense, it is junior midfielder Anna Haddock with two career goals against the Rebels. Senior forward Sydney Richards also has a goal to her credit while junior forward Olivia Candelino picked up an assist in last year's draw. Both Haddock and Richards have started all 10 games this season while Candelino has started each of the last six after beginning the year with a minor injury.
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska will return to guard the net for Auburn in her third career bout versus the Rebels. In a pair of 110-minute performances over the last two seasons, Prohaska has racked up seven saves on nine shots faced, allowing only two goals.
Captains M.E. Craven and Hailey Whitaker will also provide key leadership for the Orange & Blue back line in defense of the Ole Miss attack. The duo has combined for over 620 minutes of play in eight career games against the Rebels.
Led by longtime Auburn assistant coach Matt Mott, Ole Miss rolls into town with an 8-0-2 overall record after besting Kentucky 2-1 and Florida 1-0 to open its conference slate.
Following the matchup versus the Rebels, the Tigers will host Vanderbilt Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The game will be Alumni Night, celebrating the 30 years of history that make Auburn soccer what it is today.