Soccer Roundup: Auburn Scores 6 Goals in Successful Weekend

Photo Courtesy of Auburn Athletics/Dakota Sumpter

Auburn Soccer extended their win streak to three, after picking up two wins over Cal State Fullerton and Samford this weekend.

The weekend began on the Plains, where the 24th-ranked Tigers welcomed in a tough team from out west, Cal State Fullerton. The Titans had a final record of 16-3-2 in 2015, and entered the weekend ranked in the top-40 in three categories.

Seven minutes in, Casie Ramsier scored her second goal of the season, and Auburn jumped out in front early 1-0. Auburn would seal the game in the 51st minute, when Courtney Schell hit the top of the box 35 yards out to extend the lead to 2-0, which would ultimately be the final.

“It’s a big win tonight against a quality opposing team,” said head coach Karen Hoppa, following the match with Cal State Fullerton. “They’re going to have a great season. I think at the end of the day, this is going to be a big win for us. I’m pleased with the adjustments our girls made from last weekend to this weekend because we got better.”

Following the win on Friday, Auburn hit the road to battle in-state rival, Samford, in Birmingham. Kristen Dodson was the star of the match, which saw a total of 7 goals scored from both teams, with Auburn prevailing, 4-3. Dodson was responsible for two goals, while Casie Ramsier and Ellie Leek claimed the other two. Shades of

Friday’s match could be seen during Sunday’s action, with Auburn scoring their first goal within ten minutes of kickoff. Haley Gerkin assisted Dodson on a goal from 6 yards out.

Auburn took a 3-2 lead over the Bulldogs into halftime. Ramsier and Leek would each score before half.

The game was delayed for over 2 hours due to lightning in the Birmingham area once the second half began, however, neither team was affected. Dodson would hit her second goal of the night for Auburn in the 52nd minute, to extend the lead to 4-2. Samford tightened the lead to one, less than a minute later, which would be the final goal of the night. Auburn picked up another win, 4-3. “They have two of the best forwards in the country, in my opinion. It was a battle - one of those crazy games that goes back-and-forth and tonight we won on our offense.” Coach Karen Hoppa said of Samford.

Auburn is now 3-1 on the young season. Auburn will return home this weekend to host the Auburn Soccer Classic, which features Southern Cal, Iowa State, and Georgia. The Tigers will host Iowa State on Friday at 7pm, and will face USC on Sunday at 6pm.

Photos Courtesy of Auburn Athletics/Dakota Sumpter