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Alabama Soccer Upsets No. 19 Auburn, Earns First-Round Bye At SEC Tournament - University of Alabama Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama soccer team (10-8-1, 5-4-1 SEC) captured a late goal from Allie Berk to upset No. 19 Auburn (11-5-1, 5-4-1 SEC), 1-0, T...
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama soccer team (10-8-1, 5-4-1 SEC) captured a late goal from Allie Berk to upset No. 19 Auburn (11-5-1, 5-4-1 SEC), 1-0, Thursday, and clinch a first-round bye at the SEC Tournament. The win marked the first time in program history the Crimson Tide has won 10 home games in a single season.
With just over eight minutes of play remaining in regulation, Aislin Streicek worked for an opening on the left flank to put a cross into the six-yard box. Streicek's cross found the foot of Berk who was able to tap the ball into the back of the net after being left unmarked in front of the goal.
Berk's goal broke an 80-mintue stalemate between the Crimson Tide and Tigers. The Tide held the edge in the first half leading 10-8 in shots and 4-3 in corners. McKinley Crone came up with four crucial saves to keep Auburn off the board and keep the two teams scoreless heading into the break.
Auburn rallied off some early shots to start the second half. The Tigers would take the advantage in shots, 8-4, and corners, 2-1, but the Alabama defense held Auburn to just one shot on goal in the second 45 minutes of play. Alabama found its go-ahead-goal in the 81st minute as some fancy footwork from Streicek cleared some space for a pass to Berk, who pulled away from the Auburn defense.
FROM HEAD COACH WES HART
"Massive win on so many levels. A win versus Auburn and the Iron Bowl trophy, tie for fifth place in the SEC, a first-round bye at the SEC Tournament and a top-20 RPI win for our NCAA resume."We had our best performance of the season when we needed it the most. So many players stepped up and rose to the occasion. I'm so incredibly happy for the girls. They earned this one. They can sleep well knowing the Iron Bowl trophy is staying in T-Town another year."
