AUBURN, Ala. – Looking to continue the momentum from non-conference play, unbeaten Auburn starts Southeastern Conference play with a matchup against archrival and No. 11 Alabama Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
After a pair of matches in Birmingham, the Tigers (4-0-3) return home with 1-0 victory over UAB and a 0-0 draw with Samford, becoming just the fourth team in program history to remain unbeaten through seven games.
“We were not quite sure what Sunday was going to look like against a very direct and physical opponent in Samford, but right from the first whistle the performance was fantastic,” head coach James Armstrong said. “That might have been our best performance from the trickiest opponent we have faced so far.”
In its most recent match, Alabama (7-1) suffered its first loss of the season to Harvard, 6-4. Despite scoring the first two goals of the game in the 18th and 24th minutes, Harvard was quick to respond with a goal by Anna Rayhill 19 seconds later and secured the lead after a unanswered three-goal scoring spree in the 53rd, 56th and 83rd minute.
The six goals allowed were the most Alabama allowed to an unranked opponent since 2000 when they conceded to Florida in a 6-0 shutout.
In the last meeting in 2025, Auburn fell to Alabama, 4-3, in what marked the highest scoring game in series history. The Tigers lead the all-time series 19-13-3, including a 9-4-2 advantage at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
“Whenever there is an Iron Bowl, crazy things happen,” said Armstrong. “Last season was the toughest result I have ever had as a coach. This week is about realizing that this isn’t just another game. There are three points on the line and it’s the SEC opener with a trophy against your biggest rival.”
As a part of Friday’s match, Auburn will honor its former players with Alumni Night. Those in attendance will be recognized at halftime.
The game will be streamed on SEC Network+, while radio coverage will be available on WEGL 91.1 and via streaming at AuburnTigers.com. Live stats will also be available here.
For more information on the Auburn soccer team, be sure to visit @auburnsoccer on X, Instagram and Facebook.