The score of the box AUBURN, Ala. — A goal from the junior in the 81st minute Sydnie Thibodaux wasn’t enough for Auburn football to defeat No. 15 South Carolina as the Gamecocks struck late with a pair in the final six minutes to steal a 2-1 win Friday night at the 2008 Football Complex. Auburn.
“What a heartbreak”, the head coach of the Tigers Karen Hoppa said. “We played really well, outplayed them and just couldn’t keep those two goals out of the net. I’m really proud of our group though. They’re the 15th team in the country, deservedly so, and our team was better for much of the game.”
Thanks to Thibodaux, Auburn became just the fifth team to find the back of the net against South Carolina this season. First-year student Maquena O’Callaghan started the Tigres’ scoring streak by playing an exaggerated ball from midfield to senior Maddie Simpson approaching the penalty arc. Simpson collected the ball from two USC defenders and sent a pass to Thibodaux who was making a run at the left post. Thibodaux delivered a left-footed laser of a touch from 12 yards that skidded across the face of the goal and buried just inside the right post.
It was the fourth goal of Thibodaux’s career and his first of the season.
Auburn held its lead for three minutes before USC tied the game at 1 in the 84th minute on a goal by Reagan Schubach. Two minutes later, the Gamecocks found a devastating second shot from senior Cat Barry to take a 2-1 advantage that held for the final three minutes of the game.
Statistically, Auburn outscored South Carolina 12-8. Both programs had five shots on target. Senior Anna Haddock snatched a season-high five chances for the second straight game. Junior Carly Thatcher spearheaded the Tigers’ scoring chances with two on the night. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska also collected three saves.
Next, Auburn hits the road for the Iron Bowl of Soccer. The Tigers will face #9 Alabama on Thursday, October 5 at 6 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
