AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn continues not only their undefeated streak but also their shutout streak as the Tigers cruised past Old Dominion in a 2-0 win. The Tigers saw goals first from Shelby Sallee, who continued her incredible season in her first year on the Plains, and then from Becky Contreras who nodded another home for the Tigers.
It was another classic Auburn performance as the win came with Auburn’s signature high intensity, high press style of play. Seventeen players played for Coach Hoppa in tonight's match, a regular occurrence so far this season, the depth of the Tigers is the key to their success being able to cycle in fresh legs allows them to keep the intensity up while opponents stagger but even more importantly is the quality of the substitutes as there is no real drop off in quality through all the rotation that we see in this Auburn team.
Shelby Sallee’s speed killed the Monarchs as a ball with a bit too much power into the Monarchs defensive third was suddenly a threat when Sallee blew by the defense and gathered it for herself, cut it back, and took and left-footed shot across the face of goal that saw the ball nestled neatly into the bottom left corner. Sallee was assisted by both Carly Thatcher who notched a shot for herself and by Mallory Mooney who recorded a complete 90 minutes.
Becky Contreras credited Coach Hoppa with the assist in her postgame interview saying that the coach urged her to change her run. It ended in a header being redirected into the bottom right of the net off a cross from Olivia Woodson.Of Woodson, Becky Contreras said, "When she gets down the side I know I have to get in there because she is going to blow by them."
Although the offense pops off the stat sheet it was incredible defending that kept the program record eighth straight shutout alive. Prohaska had another easy performance, only having to make one save in the finale of nonconference play, but a timely tackle from LJ Knox was the saving grace as the Monarchs threatened to equalize after Sallee's opener.
Olivia Woodson, who provided an assist in the match, made her mark on the game in other ways, recording five shots with two of them on goal as she was a threat throughout this one embodying the Auburn style of play.
The Tigers will kick off SEC play Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. as the Vanderbilt Commodores roll into town. You can watch on the SECN+ and listen on WEGL 91.1 FM or the Auburn Sports App.
