The Auburn Tigers are five wins away from finishing their magical soccer season in a National Championship. Karen Hoppa’s squad opened up their NCAA Tournament run with a resounding 4-1 victory, leading Conference USA opponent Florida International end-to-end on Friday night.
Auburn began the scoring just four minutes into the contest after a beautiful Anna Haddock set piece led to a LJ Knox deflection in the box, resulting in an own goal by FIU. The Tigers continued to pressure the FIU backline throughout the opening half, again breaking through off of another Anna Haddock seat piece leading to the first goal of the season from Jessica Osborn. The Tigers would go on to add another pair of goals in the second stanza, including another season-first goal from junior defensive mid fielder Hayden Colson in the 87th minute of action.
The victory improved Auburn to a 9-0-3 record at home this season. With no more home contest on the schedule, the Tigers are have finished the season undefeated at home for the first time since 2003.
Up next for the Tigers is a No. 10 Ohio State on November 20. The two squads last met in early September, where a second half goal from Olivia Woodson was the deciding factor in a 1-0 victory. If Karen Hoppa’s Tigers can get by the Buckeyes again, they’ll head to the Elite 8 for the second time in school history.
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