Sep 8, 2013
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AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn soccer team shutout in-state rival Troy, 3-0, on Sunday at the Auburn Soccer Complex. With the win, the Tigers move to 2-2-1 while Troy falls to 2-4. The victory also secured a weekend sweep as Auburn downed Mercer Friday night, 2-0.
"We are really happy with the result, getting a 3-0 win on a hot Sunday afternoon against a good Troy team," said Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa. "I thought the girls played really well and did a good job of bringing energy. I was also really excited to see three goals today."
With a team full of young players, Hoppa saw some of them step up into big roles over the weekend. Freshman Casie Ramsier recorded a goal and an assist while sophomore Haley Gerken tallied two assists, both against Troy.
"I think our young players are getting better every game, we are starting five freshmen and that is a big part of our lineup," said Hoppa. "Casie has been really dangerous for us every game so far. She maybe hasn't got the goals, but she has created with her movement and assists, so it was great for her to get one in the net."
Hoppa also praised the team's efforts in practice this week preparing for Mercer and Troy. With few scoring opportunities to that point in the season, she worked with her squad on their mobility and making runs at the goal.
"We worked all week on getting more mobility in our attack," said Hoppa. "We needed our forwards making runs, we needed our midfielders running and I think that made a big difference. That mobility made a big difference because when our attacking players are running, it opens up other players to get into gaps and seams and fine goal-scoring opportunities."
Auburn goalkeeper Alyse Scott recorded her second consecutive shutout after facing three shots from the Trojans, saving one. She faced nine shots with three saves over the weekend.
Auburn netted what proved to be the game-winner in the 19th minute as Chelsea Gandy-Cromer scored her first goal of the season. After receiving a pass from Haley Gerken, Gandy-Cromer raced down the left side of the box before curling it past Troy goalkeeper Caitlin Buono.
The Tigers would double their lead four minutes later as Casie Ramsier netted her first career goal. Auburn earned a corner kick, but the attempt was cleared by the Trojan defense. Ramsier regained possession just outside of the box before putting the shot past Buono.
Ten minutes into the second half, Auburn scored its third goal as Tori Ball scored her second goal of the season. After Haley Gerken hit the crossbar, Ball was able to corral the rebound and head it in, giving Gerken her second assist of the game.
Auburn tallied 17 shots on the match, compared to three from the Trojans. Gandy-Cromer led with five shots while Ball and Gerken added three each.
Auburn will continue its homestand next weekend with matches against the College of Charleston and Long Beach State. Kickoff against the Cougars is set for 7 p.m., Friday at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Auburn will take on Long Beach State at 2 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free to both matches.