Auburn plays their final home match of the COVID-19 altered soccer season this Saturday when they host South Alabama at 1 p.m. Auburn (8-5-3) enters the game riding a three match winning streak which has placed the Tigers in the hunt for a possible NCAA Tournament bid. Their foe, the Jaguars, have already sewn up their berth in the NCAA Tournament thanks to winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament last fall. With a record of 13-6-1, South Alabama is second in the country in number of wins only trailing North Carolina. Auburn's Sarah Houchin and Dani Kaufman will be recognized as part of the Senior Day festivities.
Auburn is led by freshman goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska and a stout backline which has only allowed two goals in six matches this spring. Prohaska has amassed 64 saves on the season with an 0.83 goals against average. Offensively, freshman Anna Haddock has continued to be a key part of the Tigers' attack with one goal and eight assists. Sydney Richards leads the team with five goals including one her last time out against rival Alabama. In total, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 20-14, including a 9-2 advantage this spring.
South Alabama is completely opposite of the Tigers in that their strength is their offense. The Jaguars have 46 goals this season while allowing their opposition to score 23. The 46 goals leads the nation in total goals scored this year. South Alabama also ranks 29th in the country averaging 2.3 goals per game. Brenna McPartian is the Jaguars' offensive leader with 11 goals and nine assists. Morgan Cross (seven goals), Gracie Wilson (6 goals), and Ana Helmert (5 goals) have all at least scored five goals on the year. South Alabama have used three different goalies so far this year, with Anita Gudmundsdottir logging the most starts with eleven.
The game can be heard on WEGL 91.1 FM with Brendan McLaughlin and Gavin Rankins on the call. Pregame coverage will begin at 12:45 p.m.
Solutions by The State News
