Closing the regular-season in shutout fashion has given the 14-4-0 Auburn soccer team the momentum it needs for a tough run at the SEC Tournament this week. The Tigers held on to a preseason dream of reaching the Sweet 16, and still have that dream in their sights as they prepare to face a strong South Carolina team.
“The regular season has been quite a ride,” said coach Karen Hoppa. “It’s been full of adversity on and off the field. Then to finish with 14 wins, the second best regular season of all time, is a credit to the team and their character.”
Auburn faced its fair share of calamity in season, losing tough matches and one senior, Haley Gerken, to injury on the field. Off the field, strength coach Megan Young was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Tigers continued to battle throughout the season and are prepared to make their run toward program firsts, such as the Sweet 16.
“They’ve dealt with anything that’s been thrown their way and they’ve shown great resilience on being able to bounce back,” Hoppa said. "I’m proud of them.”
Captains Casie Ramsier and Kala Faulkner have led the team on both sides of the ball, with Ramsier leading the team with 12 goals and Faulkner piloting a strong defense. Faulkner has even managed some offensive momentum on her own, scoring three goals and making two assists.
“This league is wide open. Anybody can beat anybody on any given day,” Hoppa said. “For us it’s a one-game-at-a-time focus. Find a way to survive and advance. Nothing’s going to be easy.”
The senior group, consisting of Sophie Simantel, Logan Beal and Faulkner, has had its eyes set on the Sweet 16 since day one. It’s been the whole team’s goal, according to Simantel. Now they look to lead the Tigers into battle against a South Carolina team that dealt Auburn its second loss of the regular season.
“We won’t let that happen again,” said Simantel.
The Gamecocks were on an 11-game win streak when they last met the Tigers. Now they sit at 12-4-2 overall and 6-3-2 in conference play. South Carolina and Auburn both secured a first-round bye in the tournament and sit at the No. 5 and No. 4 seeds, respectfully.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us and we’re excited to get the opportunity to play South Carolina again,” Hoppa said. “We have to be physical, be strong and do the things that make us good. That’s our pressing and our quality possession.”
In a wide-open league where anything can happen, the Tigers are more than ready to come face-to-face with adversity once again. First kick is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, and will be televised on the SEC Network.
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