The Alabama soccer team went on the road after a home loss and tied No. 14 Auburn. Alabama now has an SEC record of 0-1-5.
Auburn had the first shot of the game when forward Olivia Woodson’s attempt at the goal in the 10th minute was off-target. Both teams fouled in the 11th, awarding free kicks to Auburn’s Dylan Driver and Alabama midfielder/forward Kiley Kukan, respectively.
The Crimson Tide’s first shot of the night came in the 24th minute when forward Gianna Paul’s attempt was blocked by an Auburn defender.
In the 42nd minute, Auburn had the first opportunity to score a goal when midfielder Becky Contreras’ shot on goal was saved by goalie Ellie Lanyi. This was Lanyi’s first save of the night and the only shot saved by either team in the first half.
Despite Auburn’s seven fouls in the first half of the game, Alabama couldn’t capitalize on any of them, scoring 0 in the first 45 minutes. Alabama midfielder Melina Rebimbas’ free kick hit the post in the 37th minute.
However, Alabama’s defense played strong in the first half, keeping Auburn’s offense to only five shots.
In the “Iron Bowl of Soccer,” unranked Alabama held No. 14 Auburn to 0-0 at the half. “We’ve shown the ability to play/compete with just about anyone in the country,” head coach Wes Hart said.
Alabama gained the advantage early in the second half after a long drive down the field by defender Gessica Skorka. Skorka passed the ball to midfielder Kate Henderson inside the box, leading to a low shot into the goal that put Alabama up 1-0 in the 51st minute.
Alabama is the third team to score on Auburn this season, joining Vanderbilt and Texas A&M.
Lanyi had her second save of the night shortly after Alabama’s goal when midfielder Anna Haddock’s shot was heading for the bottom left of the net.
Alabama defender Maison Smith fouled Auburn forward Carly Thatcher inside the box in the 58th minute, leading to a penalty kick. Thatcher evened the score 1-1 after sending the ball into the bottom left of the net, just past Lanyi.
Lanyi had two more saves in the second half, including a late-game block securing the tie. Lanyi set a new career high for saves in a game with four.
When the final whistle blew, the score stood at 1-1. This was Alabama’s second road tie against ranked opponents, following the 2-2 draw against then-No. 11 Texas earlier in the season.
“I’m proud of our team’s effort and fight tonight against a very good Auburn side. Once again, we showed we are a tough team to beat,” Hart said.
Henderson spoke about her gratitude for being part of the Alabama-Auburn rivalry.
“This is a deeply rooted rivalry that I am grateful to have been a part of,” Henderson said. “To be undefeated in all those games against such a strong program, especially a rival school, goes to show where our team is going.”
Alabama returns home to play Texas A&M on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+, and kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
