AUBURN, Ala. – No. 15 Auburn fell to Alabama, 1-0, in the Iron Bowl of Soccer Friday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The Tigers had their chances with 12 shots in the contest, including one that hit the far post, but failed to find the back of the net for the first time this season.
"The rivalry games are always a little big crazy," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "We were obviously disappointed in the result because we let in a soft goal and had our chances to capitalize. We need to learn from this and be ready to rebound Monday."
Although Auburn (3-2-2) put the pressure on early, Alabama (2-4-2) was the first to score in the contest. The Crimson Tide got on the scoreboard with a goal from Felicia Knox that snuck through hands of Maddie Prohaska late in the first half.
Auburn regrouped and looked poised to find the equalizer early in the second half as all six of the Tigers' second-half shots came in a span of less than 11 minutes. The team's best chance came in the 57th minute when Hailey Whitaker stepped in front of an Alabama pass in the final third and beat Alabama goalkeeper McKinley Crone, but the junior midfielder's shot deflected off the far post.
Earlier in the contest, the Tigers nearly took the lead on a pair of breakaway chances, both coming when Crone left her line. Whitaker's first chance from distance skipped wide left and Olivia Candelino beat Crone to the ball later in the first half, but her shot was deflected out of play by the keeper.
Whitaker and Kori Locksley created the most chances for the Tigers as the duo got off three shots apiece and accounted for all the team's shots on goal. Anna Haddock also pitched in with a pair of shots.
Eighteen players saw action in the contest for Auburn, including five who played all 90 minutes.
Auburn finishes up the fall regular season with a trip to No. 3 Texas A&M (5-1-0) Monday at 3 p.m. CT.
