BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — No. 8 Auburn soccer rallied late, rattling off a handful of dangerous chances, including an 83rd-minute goal, but it was not enough to silence the Aggies as Texas A&M (7-4, 2-1-0) handed Auburn (9-1-1, 1-1-1) its first loss of the season Thursday night in a 4-1 result at Ellis Field.
"We faced a lot of adversity tonight and did not handle it well," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We will learn and grow and be ready for another tough test on Sunday."
Texas A&M found its first in the 24th minute from a converted penalty kick. On the play that resulted in the penalty, Tigers starting goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska sustained a head injury that forced her to leave the match minutes later.
Sophomore Taylor Richards took over the reins in goal for her second career match in the Orange & Blue, and even made a pair of athletic saves in the first half but was tagged with three Aggie goals in the second half, coming in minutes 49, 67 and 90.
Auburn’s offense found a spark of life in the 83rd minute as the Tigers drew a free kick in a dangerous location, allowing senior Anna Haddock to serve a dime into senior Becky Contreras for her fourth header goal of the season.
Haddock earned her 8th assist of the year, and the 39th of her career on the play. She now stands tied with Ole Miss’ Jennifer Soileu for ninth in SEC history.
The Tigers found their other on-frame looks from Haddock, senior Sydnie Thibodaux and sophomores Olivia Woodson and Jordyn Crosby.
Up next, Auburn returns home to host Ole Miss on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. CT. As always, matches at the Auburn Soccer Complex are free and open to the public. Fans in attendance will receive 2000s-themed bucket hats while supplies last.