AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn recorded its second road win in dominating fashion with a 4-0 victory against LSU in Baton Rouge. The Tigers saw goals from sophomore Olivia Woodson and seniors Mallory Mooney, Carly Thatcher, and LJ Knox.
It was another classic Auburn performance, as the win came with Auburn’s signature high-intensity, high-press style of play and incredible depth. Nineteen players participated for Coach Hoppa in tonight's match, a regular occurrence so far this season. The Tigers' depth is crucial to their success. Their ability to rotate in fresh players helps maintain high intensity while opponents struggle. Even more importantly, the quality of the substitutes is impressive, as there is no noticeable decline in performance throughout the rotations on this Auburn team. This relentless approach not only keeps the pressure on opposing teams but also ensures that Auburn can sustain its energy throughout the match. The result is a cohesive unit that can adapt to various situations, making them a formidable opponent in any matchup.
Olivia Woodson’s speed overwhelmed the LSU Tigers as she continually broke through LSU’s defensive third, recording four shots on the night, the same amount as the entire opposing team. Woodson showcased great chemistry with Carly Thatcher, as they both assisted each other on their respective goals. Their dynamic interplay kept the LSU defense on high alert, making it difficult for them to track their movements. Woodson's relentless pace not only created scoring opportunities but also energized her teammates, contributing to a dominant performance on the field.
“What a great result, especially on the road,” Tigers head coach Karen Hoppa said. “I’m really proud of the team for getting two goals in both halves. We felt at halftime we were still vulnerable. We came out flying in the second half and were really able to put the game away.”
It was another uneventful night for goalie Maddie Prohaska, who only had to record one save. LSU struggled to generate any offense, recording only four shots on the night. LJ Know, Mallory Mooney, and Erin Houston smothered the LSU attack, not allowing any lanes or opportunities to develop at any point during the 90 minutes. As a result, LSU's offense was left frustrated, unable to find any rhythm or create meaningful chances throughout the match.
Tonight's assists were well spread out, coming from Anna Haddock, Carly Thatcher, Olivia Woodson, and a pair from Dylan Driver.
The Tigers will continue their SEC play on Sunday, October 6th, at 1:00 p.m. as the Vanderbilt Commodores roll onto the Plains. You can watch on ESPNU and listen on WEGL 91.1 FM or the Auburn Sports App.
