AUBURN, Ala. — Fresh off its biggest victory in nearly 12 years, Auburn soccer looks to continue its winning ways as it welcomes another formidable foe to the Auburn Soccer Complex Friday. Oct. 13 in Texas A&M. Kickoff versus the Aggies is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on SECN+.
"Last match was the first complete game we've put together for a full 90 minutes," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We're going to need that type of focus and commitment again because (Texas) A&M is a great team. They're stronger than their record may show, and they've put together some really quality performances this season."
Last Sunday, Auburn found the breakthrough it had been searching for as the Tigers defeated the team at the top of this year's league standings, No. 6 Arkansas. Goals from senior Anna Haddock and junior Sydnie Thibodaux secured the 2-1 win.
With seven points on a 2-3-1 SEC record, the Tigers stand tied for eighth in the conference standings with four matches remaining. At the end of the regular season, the top 10 teams will earn a bid to the 2024 SEC Soccer Tournament in Pensacola, Florida.
Auburn trails the Aggies, 4-9, in the all-time series, however it holds a narrow, 3-2 advantage when meeting on The Plains. Last season, Texas A&M defeated the Tigers 3-1 in College Station as the only team to score more than one goal on Auburn's defense all year long.
Led by 31st-year head coach G Guerrieri, the Aggies enter the match at 3-2-1 in conference and 7-5-2 overall. Last week, they fell 6-0 at Vanderbilt but responded with a 3-1 win against No. 19 Alabama.
Offense is the name of TAMU's game as they lead the SEC in total goals (37), assists (38) and shots taken (262). Jazmine Wilkinson paces the attack with six goals while Sammy Smith and Carissa Boeckmann share the team lead with six assists.
In goal, Texas A&M uses a two-keeper system with Kenna Caldwell and Grace McClellan. Caldwell has made 21 saves while surrendering nine goals. McClellan has given up seven goals and saved 13 shots.
Friday will be Military Appreciation Night at the Auburn Soccer Complex. A seven-minute firework show will also ensue following the completion of play.
After Friday's contest, Auburn enters the homestretch of the regular season, heading to Florida for a 5 p.m. CT match on Thursday, Oct. 19.