Soccer falls to Auburn 3-0

AUBURN, Ala. – The Vanderbilt Commodores could not recover from a 2-0 deficit in the first half, falling to SEC foe Auburn University 3-0. Vanderbilt falls to 1-6-0 in the SEC and 7-7-1 overall. Auburn jumps to 3-4-0 in the SEC and 6-6-3 overall.

“All the credit goes to Auburn. They showed up and put us under a tremendous amount of pressure,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Woodard. “They caught us flat the first 15 minutes of the game and punished us by putting two goals in early.”

Auburn’s offense came right out of the gate with senior forward Caitlin King scoring at the 6:39 mark of the first half, unassisted.

The Tigers followed King’s score nearly eight minutes later with a goal by freshman forward Mary Coffed, assisted by sophomore midfielder Katy Frierson and senior defender Chelsea Yauch at the 14:22 minute mark of the first half.

“We had to make some adjustments (throughout the first half) and play a little differently, which put us in an uncomfortable position,” Woodard stated.

The Commodores had many offensive opportunities in the first half, but could not capitalize with only two shots on goal and six shots total, against Auburn’s five shots on goal and 14 shots overall in the first half.

Both teams were held scoreless in the second half until the 64:16 mark, when King scored again, this time off passes from senior midfielder Jenni Prescott and Frierson. The Commodores’ defense responded following King’s second score, led by the defensive showmanship of junior goalkeeper Rachel Bachtel, with Vanderbilt allowing half as many Auburn shots in the second half.

“We played everyone tonight and gave everyone an opportunity to earn a spot to play and help us win this game. Defending is a mentality,” Woodard acknowledged. “We had a heart-to-heart at halftime and we showed up with a much better personality and intensity that translated into great defense in the second half.”

However, Vanderbilt couldn’t gain momentum on offense throughout the match, as Auburn’s freshman goalkeeper Amy Howard kept the `Dores scoreless for her fourthshutout of the season.

Auburn dominated on offense with eight shots on goal and 21 shots overall. The Commodores were held to just five shots on goal and 13 shots total.

Vanderbilt continues its road trip through the state of Alabama on Sunday with a 1pm start against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Sunday’s matchup will continue a weekend of breast cancer awareness throughout the SEC.

“We have to refocus and get our sights set on a very difficult match against a very good Alabama team that’s coming off a good win (against Kentucky). We have to figure out how to play on the road. It’s something that we haven’t been able to do this year,” Woodard stated.

“Ultimately, we’re going to show up with a personality to compete.”