AUBURN, Ala. — With only three regular season matches left on the schedule, Auburn soccer looks to solidify a bid to the 2023 SEC Soccer Tournament with a win at Florida Thursday, Oct. 19. Kickoff from Donald R. Dizney Stadium is set for 5 p.m. CT on SECN+.
"Florida is playing well right now," Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. "It's a second-year staff, so there are still some unknowns when it comes to scouting them, but one thing we know for sure is that they've made a big jump from where they were last year. It's going to be a great road test for us. We're excited for the challenge."
Heading into Gainesville, Auburn owns eight points on a 2-3-2 SEC record. Currently in 10th, the Tigers need to maintain or improve their league standing as the top 10 squads will earn a spot on the pitch in Pensacola, Florida for the conference tournament set for Oct. 29 – Nov. 5 at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.
Last time out, the Tigers held the league's top offense to zero as they played Texas A&M to a scoreless draw at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Thanks to the Orange & Blue defense as well as goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska, Auburn picked up its fourth total shutout of the season and second in league play. The Tigers also ripped off 10 shots and placed six on frame courtesy of Anna Haddock, Sydney Richards and Sydnie Thibodaux.
Earning a victory on the road will be no easy feat. The Tigers trail the Gators 2-9 when facing off in Gainesville, however, Auburn has had success handling UF in recent years as it has won four of the previous seven meetings, including two of the last three in Gainesville.
This season, Florida has amassed a 5-5-4, 1-4-2 record. Last week, the Gators tied 0-0 at Georgia and fell 3-0 at Arkansas. Offensively, freshman Megan Hinnenkamp leads the squad with 12 points on six goals. Goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg boasts a 0.90 goals against average, 21 saves and six shutouts.
Statistically, Auburn outmatches Florida 21-20 on goals scored and 50-21 on saves. The Gators hold a 12-16 edge on goals conceded and have created 55 corner kicks to the Tigers' 53.
After Thursday's match, Auburn returns home to host LSU Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. CT. The match will be Senior Night as the Tigers' outgoing players, Marissa Arias, Maddie Lo, Prohaska, Richards and Maddie Simpson, will be honored for their contributions to the program.
The match will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Ian Carry and Alex Perlman have the call.