AUBURN, Ala. – No. 9 Auburn soccer (7-0-0) puts its undefeated record on the line against unbeaten Mississippi State (7-0-0) in the Southeastern Conference opener Friday night. Kickoff at the Auburn Soccer Complex is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
The Tigers continue the busy weekend with its final non-conference contest of the season against Alabama State Sunday at 6 p.m.
Andy Burcham and Mac Matthews will have the call for both matches from the broadcast booth on SEC Network+. The contests will also be available on radio at WEGL 91.1.
Admission to all Auburn soccer home games is free.
Promotions Friday
Pups at the Pitch, presented by Paws & Claws
- Fans can bring their dogs to the hill outside of the complex to enjoy a night of Auburn soccer
- Dinner for two: free Chick-fil-A for dog owners and treats for their four-legged friends
Cram the Complex
- Help us attempt to break the Auburn Soccer Complex attendance record
- Dabbing Aubie tumbler giveaway for students
- Vuvuzela giveaway
Promotions Sunday
Kick it with Kids Night
- Wear your Kids Club T-shirt or bring your ID card and receive a prize
- US Youth Soccer Month Celebration – youth who wear a soccer jersey will receive a prize
- Soccer Camper Reunion – wear your camp T-shirt and receive a prize
- Kids Zone with inflatables and more
Post-match autograph session
Starting XI
Auburn is off to a 7-0-0 start for the first time in program history. The Tigers are one of eight remaining teams with an unblemished record and one of five teams in the country with an equal or better mark.
The Tigers rose to No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week, tying the 2015 team for the second-highest ranking in program history. Auburn was previously ranked No. 8 in 2015 and again at the end of the 2016 season.
This is the second time under head coach Karen Hoppa the Tigers have entered SEC play with an unblemished record. The other occurrence was in 2015.
Friday's contest marks the 23rd meeting between Auburn and Mississippi State. The Tigers hold a 16-4-2 record in the all-time series and are 11-0-1 against the Bulldogs at home. The team has also outscored Mississippi State 10-0 in the last five meetings dating back to 2011.
As far as records indicate, the match also marks the first SEC opener outside of a season-opening match between two conference foes when both teams have been undefeated.
Auburn hasn't lost a home match since Oct. 5, 2017 vs. Arkansas. The Tigers are 6-0-1 and have outscored opponents 17-3 during the span.
Auburn enters the weekend ranked first in the country in assists (27), second in points (71) and sixth in goals (22). The Tigers and Bulldogs are two of seven teams in the country to rank in the top 20 in scoring offense and goals against average.
Junior Bri Folds ranks in the top 10 in the country in assists (6), game-winning goals (3), points (16) and points per game (2.29). She has been recognized by Top Drawer Soccer in three of the first four weeks of the season.
Scouting Mississippi State
Like Auburn, Mississippi State enters SEC play with a 7-0-0 record.
The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 23-2 with six of the seven wins being shutouts.
The team's attack is led by a pair of double-digit point getters in MaKayla Waldner (six goals) and Zakirah McGillivary (five goals, one assist).
In goal, Rhylee DeCrane is holding opponents to a 0.29 goals against average.
Scouting Alabama State
Alabama State enters the weekend looking for its first win of the season (0-4).
The Hornets host Mercer Friday night before traveling to The Plains.
Player to Watch: Gianna Montini
Montini, a senior captain for the Tigers, has played a pivotal role as a holding midfielder this season. Tasked with organizing both the offensive attack and defensive unit, Montini plays distributor to the center and wing midfielders while also preventing through balls to forwards pressuring the back line. The California native returned home during the team's trip to Los Angeles and scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win at Long Beach State.