AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer will conclude Opening Weekend at home with another in-state duel as the Tigers are set to welcome Troy to the Auburn Soccer Complex Sunday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. CT.
"It's really exciting anytime you get to play another in-state team," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Soccer is growing in the state of Alabama and the competition is getting tougher because of it. This Troy team is going to come in here and give us their 100%, so we're expecting a good battle."
Last Thursday, the Tigers (0-0-1) opened the year with a scoreless tie versus Samford. The Orange & Blue attack ripped off 14 shots and created five corners but fell just shy of finding the back of the net. Defense proved dominant as the Auburn back line limited the Bulldogs to three shots, none of which came on frame. Troy (1-0-0), led by first-year head coach Stuart Gore, opened its season with a 1-0 road victory at Lipscomb. Gabrielle Chartier scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute.
Sunday's meeting will be the sixth all-time between the two programs with the Tigers holding the 5-0 advantage in the previous contests. Historically, Auburn's attack has proved lethal to Trojan defenders as they have been outscored 14-2 in said matches.
A total of 10 current Auburn players have previously faced Troy. In 2021, Auburn picked up a 2-1 victory at home. Anna Haddock and Olivia Candelino each picked up assists in the match. Fifth year Sydney Richards is the only woman to have faced the Trojans twice in her tenure. On Sept. 8, 2019, the Tigers routed Troy 3-0 thanks to a brace from Richards.
The match will be broadcast on SECN+ with Mac Matthews and Brit Bowen on the call. Radio coverage can be found at WEGL 91.1. The first 250 fans to arrive at the Auburn Soccer Complex will receive a tie-dye Auburn soccer tailgate cup.
Following the bout with the Trojans, Auburn will hit the road for a pair of matches in New York State. First the Tigers will face Syracuse Thursday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. CT before heading to Army West Point Sunday, Aug. 27 for a Noon CT kickoff.