AUBURN, Ala. — Fresh off a thrilling first SEC win, Auburn soccer looks to capitalize on its positive momentum and claim another victory Sunday, Sept. 24 at Ole Miss. First touch at Ole Miss Soccer Stadium is slated for 2 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
"This is a different Ole Miss than we're used to," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Obviously, they've got a new coach and because of that, they've got a little bit of a different playing style than they have in previous matchups. They've brought in some new players in the offseason, so there are some unknowns for sure. With that being said, we know that if we can deliver the best version of ourselves on Sunday, we can take another SEC win."
The Tigers (5-3-2, 1-1) roll into Oxford on the heels of a 3-2 defeat of Missouri. Auburn put up three goals in a league match for the first time since Oct. 6, 2022, when it took down Kentucky on the road by a score of 3 to 1. Versus Missouri, Auburn found its opening goal from senior Anna Haddock and the following two goals from fifth year Sydney Richards. Richards locked up the fourth brace of her collegiate career and snagged the first game-winner of her tenure since the 2021 season.
Led by first-year head coach Molly Rouse, Ole Miss enters the match at 5-3-1 with a 1-1 record in conference play. The Rebels opened SEC action with a narrow 1-0 win over LSU in Oxford but fell 2-0 Thursday at Vanderbilt.
Statistically, the Tigers have demonstrated more offensive capability this season, however, it is the Rebels who have been more dominant on defense. Auburn has found 17 total goals from nine players and 19 assists from 11 while Ole Miss has utilized seven players to create 14 goals and six players for seven assists. The Orange & Blue have conceded 11 scores for a 1.10 goals-against average while Ole Miss boast a 0.89 GAA from giving up eight goals.
Auburn trails 12-14-4 in the all-time series against the Rebels and has had to earn its wins on the road as it has not walked out of Oxford on top since 2011. It'll be another tall test this season as Ole Miss boasts an undefeated, 4-0-1 record at home.
To seal the victory, Auburn will need to rely on its core of veteran experience as the Tigers have seen the Rebels every season since 2017. A total of 14 players, including 9 previous starters, remain on the roster from past matches. Haddock, Richards and Maddie Prohaska lead the pack with over 300 minutes of Ole Miss experience apiece. Olivia Candelino, Mallory Mooney and Maddie Simpson all boast over 140 minutes. Haddock and Richards both have a goal on their respective resumes while Candelino has tacked on an assist. When facing the Ole Miss attack, Prohaska has saved 10 of 13 shots faced, good for a .769 save percentage.
After squaring off at Ole Miss, the Tigers head back home to welcome No. 7 South Carolina to The Plains for a 6:30 p.m. CT game Friday, Sept. 29.
