LSU soccer breaks two-game losing streak in upset victory over No. 6 Auburn in SEC tournament
By Google News Sports ·
Arriving in Pensacola after a difficult journey through the regular season, LSU soccer broke its two-game scoreless streak against No. 6-seeded Auburn, taking a 1-0 win to keep them in the SEC tournament.
With senior Ava Amsden taking the game-making moment at the start of the game during a penalty-kick goal straight to the bottom right of the net, she slipped past the top goals-against- average goalkeeper in the SEC, Ayana Yapo.
Earning the shot from a play off of sophomore Sariyah Bailey, who was fouled after breaking through into the offensive territory and being responded to by all three of Auburn’s defenders on the field.
Amsden’s instant pressure on the No. 6 team did damage, leaving the ball in LSU’s possession despite having a historic program defense that had previously only allowed five shots throughout 17 matches, boasting the fewest goals allowed in the country.
“So proud of our girls,” head coach Sian Hudson said after LSU’s last regular-season game against Missouri. “It’s been a little bit of an up-and-down season for them, but an opportunity to get to the beach … who knows what’s going to happen in Pensacola.”
The Tigers leaned into the anything-can-happen mentality. Right from the whistle, the offense put immense pressure on the opposing Tigers’ previously airtight defensive line. Senior Ava Galligan made a quick understanding of their strong defensive midfield, adjusting herself into a left winger position after halftime.
Going into halftime with a goal lead and an undeniable understanding of their opponent was crucial for LSU, being able to restructure its gameplay and bring in speedy forwards like freshman Alexia Hansen, who could over-maneuver Yapo’s wall.
The Louisiana Tigers were met with a series of shots from Auburn’s senior goalscorer Dylan Driver, recognizing the pressure that had been placed on them early into the game by Amsden.
Despite the strong efforts from star players like Driver as well as junior Gracie Brown, who both made shots for Auburn, the aggression from players like Galligan and sophomore Sariyah Bailey on the ball kept LSU’s 5-shot lead.
As the clock ran under 20 minutes, Auburn gave a final offensive push to the goal. Putting pressure on defenders senior Brielyn Knowles and sophomore Ryann Denecour, who had been under no pressure during the majority of the game with the ball in Galligan’s control.
Having held off the highly-touted Auburn Tigers for the full 90 minutes, LSU comes out of the game advancing in the tournament. Coming to the beach was a question for the Bayou Bengals, let alone having a dominant game against what has been a leading program throughout the entire season, and giving them their sixth goal allowed this season.
“That’s why I dye my hair,” Hudson said when asked what it’s like to end most seasons intensely in a post-game broadcast interview.
LSU will continue playing in the tournament in Pensacola, Florida, on Nov. 10, where they will face No. 3-seeded Alabama.
Originally published by Google News Sports
