Top 10 teams hosting Vanderbilt this week have had to sweat out contests that ended with the score even after regulation. The NCAA did away with overtime in soccer a few years ago, so #6 Auburn has to live with a draw instead of being allowed to escape with a win. The 2-2 final was the product of the Commodores bookending the game with goals but allowing a pair of Tigers to tally in between.
The first goal of the match came via a 20th minute Caroline Betts cross from the left wing. Maci Teater had made a front post run to receive the cross then cut it back across goal for Rachel Deresky to hammer home. Just under 10 minutes later, Auburn would whip in a cross of their own that Hannah McLaughlin headed strongly but right into an Auburn player who by sheer luck deflected the ball into the net. The Tigers took the lead just before halftime with a high, dipping shot where Sara Wojdelko mistimed her parry attempt and had the ball slam off the crossbar and into the net. The final goal was the sweetest with Abi Brighton receiving a pass about 35 yards from goal, nutmegging a defender, and rifling a shot into the lower left corner. Both teams get a point, but Vanderbilt will feel much better about it than Auburn.
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