Auburn Soccer Weekend Preview

The Tigers have had a tough run recently. Three straight games against ranked teams, two of them on the road, have dropped Auburn to 5-3 in conference. However, Auburn gets two unranked opponents at home this weekend.

Friday, Kentucky (9-4-3, 3-3-2)

Auburn has a score to settle with the Wildcats. It was Kentucky that eliminated Auburn from the SEC Tournament last year, and UK has a 4 game winning streak against our side. While Kentucky has been a strong squad in recent years, they've hit a rough patch this season. They're 0-2-1 in their last three games and haven't scored a goal in any of them. Now they get to face one of the stingiest defenses in the conference on the road.

On paper these teams are remarkably similar. Kentucky averages 1.75 goals per game and allows 0.84. Auburn averages 1.8 goals per game and also allows 0.84 per game. Kentucky averages 5.81 corners per game; Auburn averages 5.8.

Auburn will need to watch out for Michaela Dooley. The junior forward is tied for the team lead in goals, but has done it on just 8 shots. All 8 shots have been on frame. She's certainly someone Auburn will want to keep off of the ball in the box.

Sunday, Georgia (3-10-1, 2-6-0)

The final regular season home game for forward Logan Beal, fullback Sophie Simantel, and centerback Kala Faulkner will be against the Bulldogs from the East. Georgia has scuffled a bit this season. They are worst in the SEC in goals allowed (1.79 per game) despite leading the conference in saves (5.29 per game). They're last in the SEC in goals per game at 0.79. They've managed just one road win this season, a 1-0 victory over Samford.

That said, Auburn cannot take this game lightly. Georgia defeated Texas A&M last month, a loss that is currently keeping the Aggies from the top spot in the conference.

I know none of us care for Georgia around here, but you can almost feel bad for Louise Hogrell. She's made more saves than anyone in the SEC, and she's still allowing the most goals per game in the league. The Georgia defense hasn't done her any favors this year, and it's not like they're pouring in goals at the other end either. She is Georgia's 2012 Tre Mason.

Very Specific Predictions

Whether on Twitter or here, these haven't been very good. That won't keep me from trying again anyway

1. Kentucky - Auburn wins 1-0. Sarah Le Beau keeps UK's scoreless streak going as Taylor Troutman scores for the Tigers.
2. Georgia - Auburn wins 3-0. Georgia isn't very good, and I think Auburn comes out fired up for this one. The Tigers score one goal in the first 15 minutes and add another before halftime as they send Beal, Simantel, and Faulkner out with a home win.

War Eagle!