Auburn, AL (EETV) - The Auburn Tigers opened up the 2020 season with a 1-1 draw against Mississippi State at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
2019 SEC All-Freshman Team honoree Sydney Richards scored in the opening of the second half. Two assists were made by Kori Locksley and Mallory Mooney.
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first just because we hadn’t played in months, but I think everyone was just overjoyed to play and that kind of overtook our game,” Richards said. “We started off pretty strong, and it was just really nice to play some soccer again.”
Freshman goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska had eight saves with six of them being in the second half and two overtimes. Prohaska only let one penalty kick go by in the second half.
“Maddie was great,” head coach Karen Hoppa said. “The exciting thing for Maddie is it’s only the beginning. She only a 17-year-old freshman playing in her first game. It was a great start for her and we know she’s just going to get better from here. They’re all only going to get better. It’s really exciting.”
After two overtimes with no scores, the game ended in a draw.
“I couldn’t more appreciative of our medical staff and our administration for making this happen,” said Hoppa. “The contributions of Dr. Goodlett and his staff, the administration’s commitment and the SEC’s commitment to allow our players to play. The players were so grateful and appreciative and excited.”
Auburn is traveling to Bryan-College Station, Texas to face Texas A&M on Sunday, Sept. 27. The fall season will continue to be an eight-game, conference-only season.
