For the first time since 2016, the Auburn Tigers soccer team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The win over No. 6 Arkansas was the Tigers first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 and their first win over a top-10 opponent since defeating No. 10 Florida Gators in 2017. With the victory, Auburn’s record moves to 6-5-3 and 2-3-1 in SEC play.
“I’m just so proud of everyone and the resiliency we showed,” said junior midfielder Anna Haddock. “It gives us the confidence that we can legitimately play with anyone in the country.”
An early goal from Haddock gave the Tigers a quick 1-0 lead over the Razorbacks. Roughly three minutes into the game, Haddock found the goal on a free kick from right outside the penalty box on the left side, scoring off her right foot into the bottom right of the goal.
Auburn’s defense quickly took over after Haddock’s early goal, with Arkansas fighting to maintain possession of the ball the majority of the first half. Despite the Razorbacks offensive efforts, Auburn’s defenders kept the Hogs scoreless in the first half.
“I think it’s the first time we had a total defensive effort and a total offensive effort,” said Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa. “I thought our defense was outstanding.”
Arkansas found a goal in the second half, scoring roughly eight minutes into the final half and tying the game at 1-1.
The Razorbacks, however, were not able to build momentum off their early second half goal, largely due to their own fouling problems. At the end of the matchup, the Razorbacks totaled 17 fouls and three yellow cards, and the Tiger offense took advantage of free kicks from Arkansas’s fouls.
With both teams maintaining possession of the ball roughly equal, Auburn’s Sydnie Thibodaux let a shot loose from deep in the middle of the field, finding the top right of the goal and giving Auburn a 2-1 lead with 29 minutes left to play.
“Thibodaux scored an amazing game winning goal,” Hoppa said. “And then they still had 30 minutes to play. But, we stuck to the game plan and kept our composure.”
For the rest of the final half, Auburn’s defense kept the Razorbacks out of the goal, and goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska ended the night with three saves, making way for the Tigers’ first win over the Razorbacks since 2016.
“(This win) is a catalyst,” Hoppa said. “We know we can play with those teams. We can play with the elite teams in the country. Hopefully we can keep building on this momentum as we go down the home stretch.”
Looking to build momentum in conference play, Auburn faces Texas A&M at home on Friday, Oct. 13. The game begins at 6:30 CST and will be televised on SEC Network+.
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Grace Heim is a junior from Enterprise, Alabama, majoring in English Literature. She started with The Plainsman in January 2023.
