AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer (4-1-4) looks to rebound from a tough conference opener with another road SEC match at No. Arkansas (5-2-1) Thursday, Sept. 22.
The game will be broadcast on SEC Network with Mike Watts and Marion Crowder on the call. First kick at Razorback Stadium is set for 6 p.m. CT.
"Arkansas is a really difficult team to play," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Their style of play is unique, their crowds are great and they're the defending (SEC) champions, so we know it'll be a tall task. We're focused on what we can control — how hard we work and the effort we put into it."
Auburn leads the all-time series versus the Razorbacks 15-14-2; however, Arkansas holds the 6-5-2 advantage when squaring off in Fayetteville. Both squads last met Nov. 4, 2021, in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament, with Arkansas picking up the 5-1 victory.
The Tigers offense will look to rely on the experience of junior midfielder Anna Haddock in the bout. Haddock owns one goal and two assists in her career against the Razorbacks. Senior Sydney Richards, junior Mallory Mooney and sophomore Sydnie Thibodaux have also found the back of the net against Arkansas at some point in their respective careers.
Junior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska is set to defend the net from the Razorback attack for a fifth time in her career. In her four previous outings, Prohaska has made 23 saves on 38 shots faced. The West Chester, Ohio product has yet to allow multiple goals in a single game this season.
While Arkansas posts an undefeated 3-0 record at home this season, it dropped its SEC opener on the road against Mississippi State 2-0. The Razorback's first loss came in week two of the 2022 season, falling 1-0 at Saint Louis.
Auburn will return home following the match at Arkansas, hosting another nationally ranked conference opponent in Ole Miss Sunday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. CT. The game will be this year's Pups at the Pitch match, following a rainout of the previous attempt.
