WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — No. 24 Auburn soccer eyes a rematch with No. 10 Ohio State as the Tigers and Buckeyes are set to clash in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament Friday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. CT from Spry Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“We’re thrilled to still be dancing in the NCAA Tournament, but we’ve still got goals to accomplish,” Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. “As we know, Ohio State is a great opponent. We’ve beaten them, they’ve beaten us. We’re looking at this one as a rubber match.”
Auburn hosted Ohio State earlier this season, on Sept. 8, when a 49th-minute goal from sophomore Olivia Woodson was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for the Tigers.
In the contest, Auburn outshot the Buckeyes 14-8 and did not allow an opposing shot on goal.
During the 2023 season, the Tigers traveled to Columbus, where Ohio State walked out on top, 2-0.
Friday’s match will be the first time the squads have met up during the postseason. Auburn is 14-17-0 all-time in the NCAA Tournament and will be making its first appearance in the second round since 2017.
Last week, the Auburn Soccer Complex hosted postseason play for the first time since 2021 when it welcomed the Panthers of FIU for a first-round clash with the Tigers. Auburn struck for two goals in both halves to come out on top in a 4-1 win. Sophomore Jessica Osborne and junior Hayden Colson scored their first goals of the season in minutes 24 and 84, respectively. Senior LJ Knox and sophomore Jordyn Crosby also contributed to the scoring fest.
At 53 total goals scored, Auburn has now more than doubled its offensive production from the prior season. The Tigers rank seventh in the country in total points (161) and eighth in both goals scored and goal differential (+37).
Friday’s match will be streamed on ESPN+. Ty Collins and Kyle Bonn have the call. Tickets for the weekend’s matches can be purchased here.
A win on Friday would see Auburn clinch the third Sweet 16 appearance in its history, setting the Tigers up for a date with the winner of the Wake Forest/Colorado match on Sunday, Nov. 24. Sunday’s match will also be played at Spry Stadium with kickoff set for 1 p.m. CT.