Alabama’s soccer season ended as suddenly as it began. Auburn is the final opponent. Perfect Alabama Soccer. Wes Hart and the No. 3 Crimson Tide finish the regular season 10-0 after beating Auburn 1-0.
Alabama is only the third program to do it since 1995, joining Florida and South Carolina.
Wes Hart said postgame, “I can’t articulate how I feel.” “I’m proud of what the squad accomplished this year. From the non-conference schedule through the SECs, we passed with flying colors.”
Both Auburn’s Hannah Waesch and Alabama’s Felicia Knox were yellow-carded for hard play during the contest, which featured many shots on goal. The Tigers tried to stretch the defense with sideline passes and runs leading to box crosses.
Riley Mattingly Parker, Alabama’s leading goal scorer, did not play. Riley Tanner headed in Kat Rogers’ cross in the 87th minute to put Alabama ahead 1-0.
“We knew Auburn’s defense was difficult,” Hart said. They don’t expose themselves much, keeping numbers low.
“We knew they’d be hard to break. It was excellent to play a game like this before the SEC and NCAA Tournaments, where we’ll face similar teams. It showed me we can’t be stopped; we have so many weapons and can win games in so many ways.
Alabama supporters are always delighted with a win, but many in Tuscaloosa are happy Auburn lost since the Tigers needed to win to make the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Hart was delighted about the trophies the Tide had earned in recent weeks: the SEC West title, the conference regular season crown, and now the Iron Bowl.
The SEC Soccer Tournament starts Sunday, but Alabama won’t play until Tuesday against the winner of Texas A&M and Mississippi State. All matches will be played in Pensacola, Florida, and broadcast on SEC Network.
