The Auburn Tigers (6-4-5, SEC: 2-4-1) look to rebound against the Tennessee Volunteers (9-3-2, SEC: 5-1-1) after their 3-1 loss at Texas A&M last Friday. The three goals allowed last game is a new season high for the usually stout Tiger defense. The Volunteers had their four game win streak snapped last Friday against the LSU Tigers in a 0-0 draw. Over the past five games, the Volunteers have outscored their opponents 9-1, including four shutout wins.
With only three regular season games left, Auburn desperately needs to win or at least tie to keep their SEC Tournament hopes alive. As of today, they are currently 11th in the SEC rankings, only one spot out of the SEC Tournament. Their next two games include a trip to Baton Rouge to play the LSU Tigers on Sunday, and close out the regular season against the division-leading Alabama Crimson Tide. For Tennessee, they will be looking to continue their quest as the SEC regular season champions and, maybe more importantly, the number one seed in the SEC Tournament.
With the exception of last Friday's loss at Texas A&M, the Auburn defense has been the strength of this team all season, allowing just 11 goals (.73 goals per game). The Tigers have allowed only 145 shots this season, with only 58 of them on goal due to their aggressive style of play near the box. A big part goes to the exceptional play of junior goalie Maddie Prohaska, who has saved 46 of the 57 shots on goal this season.
For Auburn to have any chance to win this game, however, they will need to stop the high-powered Tennessee offense. Led by redshirt junior forward Jaida Thomas (12 goals, 2 assists), the Volunteers have scored 38 goals this season and average 2.7 per game. Of Tennessee's 251 shots, 120 of them have been on goal, putting their percentage right around 48%.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 P.M. Thursday night, which can be heard on WEGL 91.1 FM or on weglfm.com.
