Auburn (13-3-4) redeemed itself with a 4-1 win over FIU (13-5-2) in the first round of the NCAA tournament, after losing the first round of the SEC tournament on Nov. 3.
Despite a four-game drought in the win category, Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa doesn’t fault her team’s effort.
"We played some really good soccer, you know, we really did. We had a couple unfortunate errors against LSU… South Carolina, they scored the game runner up cross, you know, and Georgia, same thing,” Hoppa said. “So, you know, we tried to stay focused and we were playing well, and we just weren't getting the chances.”
Auburn came out the gate strong with a goal from senior defender LJ Knox in the opening minutes of the game. Despite the fast paced offensive attacks, Olivia Woodson recorded a few offsides calls, stalling potential scoring opportunities.
Physicality and grit were undeniable as the defense played a huge role in advancing the Tigers to the next round of playoffs. The defensive powerhouse consisting of Jessica Osborne, Mallory Mooney and Knox played 90 straight minutes to help solidify Auburn’s victory.
Many players reached career milestones, including junior Odaliana Gomez for FIU after she debuted in her first game of the season as a Panther, replacing first-string goalkeeper Valerie Restrepo after a head injury. Synonymous with Restrepo, Gomez only allowed two goals for the Tigers.
Adding to her already broken record, Anna Haddock records her 13th assist of the season and her 44th assist in her career as a Tiger. Osborne scored Auburn’s second goal of the game utilizing a set piece corner kick, recording her first goal of the season. To finish off the trifecta, Hayden Colson scored the fourth and final goal with seven minutes left in the game; notably being her first goal of the season.
Sophomore forward Jordyn Crosby extends Auburn's lead with the third goal of the match in the final 13 minutes.
“Honestly it felt free and I feel like that’s the first time I’ve been able to like, run in a game and just take the ball,” Crosby said.
Junior Chinatsu Kaio and senior Noemi Paquin made waves for FIU and posed a problem for Auburn’s defense throughout the first half.
Assisted by Chinatsu Kaio, Catherine Rapp scores FIU’s first goal of the game in the final 11 minutes. Rapp recorded her fourth goal this season, doubling her record from the 2023 season.
FIU ultimately fell short and the last minute goal from Colson solidified the victory for the Tigers. Auburn defeated FIU 4-1 to secure its spot in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
No. 6 seed Auburn will travel to Columbus, Ohio to face No. 3 seed Ohio State in the second round the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 22-24. The time is still to be determined and the match can be streamed via ESPN+.
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Caroline is a sophomore majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in the fall 2024.
Morgan is a junior majoring in journalism. She joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
