No. 6 Auburn (8-0) defeats Old Dominion (5-3) 2-0 in tonight’s home non-conference game. The two teams honored military and Auburn alumni during halftime.
Auburn’s head coach, Karen Hoppa harped on the importance of recognizing the military. “We always try to do ours close to 9/11 and just recognize the people that serve our country.”
The game started off strong for Auburn after a goal from redshirt junior, Shelby Sallee in the 27th minute.
The Tiger’s explosive first half gave them the lead 1-0 headed into half time. The Auburn offense continued to pressure Old Dominion’s defense, which resulted in three shots on goal.
On the other hand, the Tiger’s defense remained strong forcing zero shots on goal for the Monarchs. Old Dominion's goalkeeper, graduate student Erin Jones, recorded two saves heading into the half.
The Tigers led 7-2 in shots and led 5-4 in fouls. The game contained a high level of physicality from both Auburn and Old Dominion.
Auburn received the first corner of the game, three minutes into the second half, however, the play stalled.
Graduate student, Becky Contreras, scored a header, which extended Auburn’s lead 2-0.
”I feel like every time I come out here, I give it my all, especially as someone who's had three surgeries so I feel like you never know when your last game is going to be or the end of the season,” said Becky Contreras after reflecting on her individual performance against Old Dominion.
A counter-attack from senior forward Yuliia Khrystiuk recorded Old Dominion's first and only shot on goal.
Auburn Soccer player Carly Thatcher, #7, steals the ball from Old Dominion on September 13, 2024.
Auburn closed out the game with a total of 13 shots and seven shots on goal. Graduate student and goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska recorded one save. Olivia Woodson, sophomore forward, accounted for five of the Tiger’s 13 shots on goal.
Goalkeeper, Erin Jones, recorded five saves, however the Monarchs fell short and allowed two goals.
“Being undefeated at home so far, going into conference, I feel like that gives us a big confidence boost. We’re super excited for us to see so, I think it will be a really fun game Thursday,” said Becky Contreras as she gives us a glimpse of the team's mentality heading into Thursday's game against Vanderbilt.
The Tiger’s added another win to their record, currently undefeated for eight consecutive games. Old Dominion lost its match against Auburn 2-0, which accounted for its third loss of the season.
“Obviously great momentum coming off the non-conference but now a new season starts and I think it's part momentum and part we got to take lessons,” said coach Hoppa as the Tigers prepare to take on the SEC.
Auburn’s record now stands at (8-0) as they face off against Vanderbilt (5-2) for the SEC home opener, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CST on SECN+.
Old Dominion (5-3) prepares to take on Coastal Carolina (3-3-2) for their senior night, Friday at 6 p.m. CST.
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Caroline is a sophomore majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in the fall 2024.
