AUBURN Ala. — Auburn soccer suffered its first loss of the 2023 season Thursday, falling 2-0 to Wake Forest at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
"Obviously disappointed in the result," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "That's a very good Wake Forest team, and we knew that coming in. They were just much better on their finishing percentage, which was the difference. We've got to be better in that area. It's early, so we've still got a lot to learn, but we'll grow and get stronger."
Auburn's offense mustered 13 shots on the night but could not penetrate the goal line. Wake Forest only forced five shots off but capitalized by scoring twice. The Demon Deacons broke through in the 42nd minute with an own goal and netted their second in minute 49.
Defensively, Auburn limited Wake Forest to three shots on target. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska made saves on two of the three. Center backs LJ Knox and Madeline Moore went the full 90 alongside right back Hayden Colson. Senior Mallory Mooney saw 80 minutes, and sophomore Erin Houston played 24 off the bench.
Freshman Maquena O'Callaghan played a crucial 45 minutes in the midfield and stuck one of the Tigers' three shots on-goal in the second half. Auburn's other on-frame opportunities came from redshirt-senior Marissa Arias and Mooney.
The Demon Deacons grabbed the game-winner as the first half came to a close. Anna Swanson had an attempt in the box near right post that bounced off the boot of an Auburn defender, who was attempting a block, and ricocheted into the net. Wake Forest struck once more in the 49th minute on a breakaway chance from Alex Wood.
In the 70th minute, captain Prohaska made Auburn history with her 200th career save. The Demon Deacons fired a shot from outside the left edge of the box on a free kick, however, the West Chester, Ohio native was more than ready and stuffed the chance. Prohaska is now one of six keepers in program history to surpass the 200 saves milestone.
Up next, Auburn will host American University Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. for Youth Soccer Day. The first 150 children at the game will receive an Auburn piggy bank. The match will be available to stream on SECN+.