AUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn soccer team once again saw a valiant effort from its back line but could not catch the lucky bounce into the back of the net that it needed to match No. 13 Ole Miss, falling 1-0 at the Auburn Soccer Complex Sunday.
Despite taking more shots and more corner kicks, the Tigers were unable to find their first goal in conference play. The Rebels knocked in the difference-maker in the 57th minute on a shot from Mary Kate McGuire via a set piece from Aubrey Mister.
"It was definitely heart-breaking," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "I thought we played really well, created some great chances. Credit to Ole Miss, they defended well. They snuck one in, and their keeper made some unbelievable saves. For us, we know we played well, we just didn't get the result we wanted. We've got to keep our heads up and focus on the next one."
Auburn's offense placed five of 12 total shots on target with junior Anna Haddock and sophomore Carly Thatcher firing off a trio apiece. Both shot totals marked season-highs for Auburn in conference play.
One of the Tigers' strongest scoring opportunities came in the 35th minute on a cross from redshirt-junior Marissa Arias to Thatcher, firing a right-footed rocket from back right corner of the penalty box, aimed at the left upper 90, but the Rebels keeper jumped for the deflection out of play.
Other than the solo goal allowed, junior keeper Maddie Prohaska was once again near perfect in the net, earning three saves on four on-target shots from Ole Miss. The Rebels pressured for a dangerous chance in the 16th minute ripping off a pair of shots following a free kick, but Prohaska made the clutch dive backward in a cluster of players to grasp the ball before it crossed the goal line.
Keeping with the trend, Prohaska continues her streak of not surrendering multiple goals in a single game this season.
Up next, Auburn hosts Vanderbilt Friday, Sept. 30 for another home SEC matchup at 6:30 p.m CT. The game will be deemed "Alumni Night" in honor of the many faces that compose the 30-year history of the program.