Everyone loves an underdog, and that is exactly what LSU soccer is hoping to become in the second half of SEC play. 
The Tigers suffered their second shutout this week on Friday night in Baton Rouge, which marked their third loss in five conference matches. 
Auburn was ranked No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 and has some of the country’s best players on its roster, such as goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska who tops the SEC in shutouts with 10 this season and has 34 in her career – the second-most in Auburn history. 
It was clear to LSU head coach Sian Hudson that this team was going to be one of the Tigers’ biggest challenges on the calendar.
“They are top 20 in the country for a reason,” Hudson said.
At kickoff, Auburn pressured LSU to the max and forced them back into the 18-yard box. There were a few close calls, but the defense was quick on its feet, blocking attempt after attempt. 
Both teams wanted to get the early lead, resulting in intense gameplay and more than a fair share of fouls up and down the pitch.
Unfortunately for LSU, Auburn won that battle 15 minutes in with a quick break through the purple and gold backline. A perfectly positioned Auburn forward, Olivia Woodson, awaited at the back post for the finish.
In what proved to be a terrible two minutes for LSU, Auburn struck again with a wide shot that slid just out of LSU goalkeeper Audur Scheving’s reach. 
“We just gave up two or three really bad moments today defensively,” said Hudson.
That made Auburn two goals richer, while LSU had yet to take a shot. This would go on to be its main issue of the night.
Scheving made two game-changing saves in the half. When Auburn kept shooting high just below the crossbar, she reached off the ground and punched them away. 
When the team needed it, the Tiger fans showed out in what became a packed stadium. Scheving said the support from the fans played a part in her ability to handle the pressure.
“I’ve never seen so many people in the stadium, so I really appreciate that,” Scheving said.
Throughout the match, Auburn seemed to be the more offensive team, making runs through the midfield and intercepting LSU’s passes left and right.
“I think we’ve got to start winning the midfield battle, first and second contacts,” Hudson said. “They did really well with that tonight.”
New sets of legs brought some life back into LSU’s offense late in the half. Players like forward Amy Smith made some optimistic-looking plays in the hopes of a comeback.
“I thought some of our young players came on the pitch at the end and raised the energy levels and gave us some different looks, so credit to them for coming in and making the most of their opportunity,” Hudson said.
LSU was still shotless while Auburn had 11 shots – six of them were on goal – and nine corners.
Down but not out, LSU came back from halftime with a fire under their feet. Scheving stole the show with save after save. She was not going to let Auburn off easy.
Another goal came seven minutes into the second half when a shot snuck through the legs of defender and co-captain Jazmin Ferguson. 
The final goal materialized only three minutes later when a free kick placed the ball at the top of the 6-yard box where an Auburn player was ready to head it in.
Auburn out-shot LSU 23-4 in a game of missed chances for the Tigers at home. The few shots they had needed to count, and when there were balls played into the 18, LSU failed to finish.
“We didn’t really get close to them,” said Hudson. “We gave them far too much respect and possession.” 
Post-match, LSU dropped from No. 5 to No. 9 in the SEC standings. They remain in the top 10, but just barely after a half-season of high highs and low lows.
In the history of LSU soccer, the road to Pensacola has never been straightforward, but this season has been bumpier than expected. This loss was not how the team wanted to close the first half of SEC play. 
Next Thursday, Oct. 10, the team will play away against Kentucky, No. 8 in the SEC. With some time to reflect on the past week, the team is sure to be back with something to prove. 

“The girls have got a weekend off to sort of refresh at the midway point of the SEC schedule, and we’ll be looking forward to a matchup against the Wildcats after they knocked us out of the SEC tournament last year,” Hudson said. “It’s an opportunity for a little bit of revenge. The last time we went there, we won on the road, so we’ll be looking to bounce back next week.”