On Friday, the No. 11 Auburn Tigers are on the road to Lexington, KY to face the Kentucky Wildcats continuing conference play.
After an outstanding performance in Knoxville, the Tigers beat the Vols in an intense battle where multiple players stood out, broadcasting the overall depth of the team. Midfielder Sydnie Thibodaux and forward Olivia Woodson ultimately led the team to victory scoring 3 goals in total.
Being on the road again, the Tigers will continue to be tested on all aspects of the Wildcats team while continuing to improve their overall record in the conference.
Right now, the Tigers sit with a total of 14 conference points ranking them third in the SEC. Kentucky is just behind with nine conference points, putting them at seventh.
On paper, Auburn currently has the better resume in several categories: goals scored (45), goals allowed (9), shots on goal (123), and shutouts (11).
Winning their last three games, Auburn’s offense has been on a run, contributing to their 12-1-2 record.
Currently, the offense is on track to have the best scoring performance in program history while already having 45 goals so far.
Woodson currently leads the team in points (23), goals (10) with three assists. Next to her, is midfielder Anna Haddock, who has been influential with assists (11) and contributing 19 points with four goals.
Haddock is currently matching the program record with 42 total assists.
On Friday, she’ll be looking to break it.
Defensively, Auburn’s goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska is an obstacle for opponents. Prohaska has contributed to 10 shutouts for the Tigers this season, with 19 saves. She continues to be a threat on every field she walks on to.
However, the Wildcats have not lost at home this season. In an SEC matchup, especially on their home turf, an upset is very likely.
The Wildcat’s offense starts with forward Makala Woods.
Woods has been dominant, currently leading her team by scoring the most points offensively (17), scoring the most goals (eight) with a assist. Woods has also scored in four of her last five games, easily making her an offensive threat to the Tigers.
Alongside her, midfielder/forward Maddie Kemp is just behind her being the second-leading scorer with 11 points, four goals and three assists. Kemp has been crucial to the team this season while having 16 shots on goal, showing opponents how quick she can get down field to take a shot.
Defensively, goalkeeper Marzia Josephson has kept the Wildcats afloat so far with 24 saves and a .69 GAA (goals against average). Josephson has also helped the Wildcats this season with six shutouts so far, showing how much of an asset she is as goalkeeper.
In series history, Auburn currently leads 13-11-4, while in the last five games they also lead 4-0-1.
However, under the lights at Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Kentucky, anything can happen.
This matchup will take place Friday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 CST on SEC Network+.
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Ginny is a junior majoring in sports production. She joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
