AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn (0-0-1) opened the 2020 season by battling Mississippi State (0-0-1) to a 1-1 draw Friday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The two teams traded second-half goals before going head to head in a pair of overtime periods to split the result in the Southeastern Conference opener and Auburn's first on-campus event since mid-March.
"It felt great," head coach Karen Hoppa said of being back out on the field. "I couldn't more appreciative of our medical staff and our administration for making this happen. The contributions of Dr. Goodlett and his staff, the administration's commitment and the SEC's commitment to allow our players to play. The players were so grateful and appreciative and excited."
Gallery: (9-18-2020) Auburn 1, MSU 1
Auburn started five freshmen, including goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska, who went the distance in net and allowed just the lone penalty kick goal while making eight saves. It marked the first time the Tigers started five freshmen in a season opener since 2013. Seven newcomers ultimately saw action in the contest.
"Maddie was great," Hoppa added. "The exciting thing for Maddie is it's only the beginning. She only a 17-year-old freshman playing in her first game. It was a great start for her and we know she's just going to get better from here. They're all only going to get better. It's really exciting."
After hitting the crossbar on a free kick in the opening minutes, 2019 SEC All-Freshman Team honoree Sydney Richards accounted for Auburn's scoring in the contest with a goal in the 56th minute. The sophomore forward took a pass from Kori Locksley down the left flank and hit a right-footed strike past the Mississippi State keeper to open the scoring in 2020. Mallory Mooney also recorded her first collegiate point as she was credited with the second assist on the play.
"It was a little nerve-wracking at first just because we hadn't played in months, but I think everyone was just overjoyed to play and that kind of overtook our game," Richards said. "We started off pretty strong, and it was just really nice to play some soccer again."
Mississippi State tied the match on a penalty kick twenty minutes later, but Prohaska and the Tigers back line held the bulldogs in check in the run of play for the remainder of the match. Six of Prohaska's eight saves came in the second half and overtime sessions.
The Tigers continue the eight-game, conference-only fall season by traveling to Bryan-College Station, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 27.