WEST POINT, N.Y. — Auburn soccer looks to continue its undefeated start to the 2023 season with a matchup at Army Sunday, Aug. 27. Kickoff from Malek Stadium at Clinton Field is set for noon CT.
Behind a 2-0-1 record, Auburn has begun the year unbeaten through its opening three matches for the fifth time in the last six years.
Sunday's game will mark the second meeting in history between the two programs. Last season, the Tigers toppled the Black Knights 1-0 at the Auburn Soccer Complex. M.E. Craven netted the game-winner in the 29th minute with an assist from Anna Haddock off a corner. Auburn is set to return 15 players who saw time in the match, seven of whom earned a starting nod.
"Army is a great team," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "They're an incredibly disciplined and organized squad that is even tougher to play on their home turf. They gave us a good test last season, and I expect them to do that again this week."
Last match, the Tigers defeated Syracuse 2-1 on the road. Redshirt-senior Marissa Arias opened the scoring in the 25th minute and junior LJ Knox put the game away in the 61st. Haddock and Mallory Mooney collected assists on the respective goals.
Army is led by fourth-year head coach Tracy Chao. Under Chao, the Black Knights have posted a 20-16-11 head-to-head record, which includes a 9-4-7 clip last season. In 2022, Army held its opponents winless at Clinton Field, amassing an 8-0-2 record at home.
This season, Army sits at 0-2-1. The Black Knights began the season with an 0-2 loss at UNC Greensboro and a 1-1 tie at Wake Forest. Late last week, they fell at 0-1 at Wagner.
Also on the Black Knights staff is assistant coach Tori Ball. Ball was a forward for the Tigers from 2010-14. She made 89 career appearances, which is good for seventh in school history. Ball also owns eight career game-winners and was a part of the Auburn's 2011 SEC Tournament Championship.
Sunday's battle will be streamed on ESPN+. Following the match, Auburn will return home to host Wake Forest Thursday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The match will be Mental Health Awareness Night.
Soccer heads to West Point, will face Army in Sunday showdown
