Sept. 19, 2008

Box Score

AUBURN, Ala. - The Samford University soccer team finally concluded its season-opening, eight-game road trip Friday against the regionally-ranked Auburn Tigers. In the in-state matchup held at the Auburn Soccer Complex, Samford dropped a 3-0 decision on the road.

Samford (1-7) is in the midst of its toughest schedule in season history.

The Bulldogs fell to 0-6 on the road this year and will play its first home match Friday, Sept. 26, against Elon. Next week's game will also mark a momentous day in Samford history due to the fact that it will be the school's first-ever Southern Conference duel.

With Friday's victory, Auburn (4-4-1) extended its winning streak to two-straight games, both of which were shutouts. The Tigers' goalkeeper Alison Whitworth finished the match with five saves and tallied her third shutout of the 2008 season.

Auburn entered the contest as the 13th-ranked team in the talent-laden Southeast Region.

The Tigers' three goals Friday were scored by Chelsea Yauch, Rebecca Howell and Monica Afanador.

Yauch notched the first goal of the game during the ninth minutes of play. The score was her third of the season and it was assisted by both Katy Frierson and Jenn Johnson. Howell recorded the Tigers' second goal of the match and it was also assisted by Frierson. The score was Howell's second of the 2008 season.

Late in the second half, Afanador tallied Auburn's third goal of the match, her second of the season. The Tigers' final goal of the game occurred during the 84th minute of play.

With its loss, Samford fell to 0-5 all-time against Auburn.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Sept. 26 as the Bulldogs host the Elon Phoenix for the school's first-ever Southern Conference game. The match will also be Samford's first home contest of the 2008 season and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., at Bulldog Field.