College Women: Auburn makes final eight for first time
- by Soccer America , Nov 21, 2016
The Tigers, who set a new record for most wins in a single season with their 17th victory, got goals from Kristen Dodson, Bri Folds and Brooke Ramsier to hold off the Gators.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team," Auburn coach Karen Hoppa said. "I thought we did not play particularly well in the first half. We fought hard and defended well, but we didn’t play soccer the way we wanted to and to go into halftime up -- credit to Brooke to get a goal against the run of play -- I was really proud of the team and the adjustments they made in the second half.”
The Tigers led, 1-0, at the half on a goal scored by Ramsier from 20 yards away on their only shot of the first 45 minutes.
The game changed in the 62nd minute when Rachelle Smith scored Folds scored on a penalty kick after Dodson was taken down for a penalty on a play that led to a red card to the Gators' Rachelle Smith.
Just 53 seconds later, though, the shorthanded Gators responded on a goal by Brooke Sharp. But after a bunch of chances for both teams, Dodson put the match away in the 84th minute with her 13th goal of the season.
“Making it to the Elite Eight with this group is incredible,” said Ramsier. “Credit to all of us because they’re such a bond this team has and it really is a family. We fight for each other. We go out there and play 90 minutes for each and every girl on and off the field. It’s just a crazy feeling and we’re so happy.”
