Women’s Soccer Captures Historical 2-0 Victory Over Auburn on Friday Night

Friday, September 13

Auburn, Ala.

6:30 PM

Southern Miss

4-3-0, 0-0-0

Auburn

3-3-0, 0-0-0

Southern Miss

Auburn

Photo by: Cat Wofford / Auburn Athletics

Women’s Soccer Captures Historical 2-0 Victory Over Auburn on Friday Night

9/13/2019 11:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

Friday night’s win marks the first time in school history that Southern Miss has defeated Auburn in women’s soccer.

AUBURN, Ala. – The Southern Miss women's soccer team (4-3-0) defeated Auburn (3-3-0) by a final score of 2-0 on Friday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Friday night marked the first time that Auburn has been shutout during the 2019 season. The win also marked the first for the Southern Miss women's soccer program against Auburn.

The match was a full physical 90 minute battle between both teams that presented few scoring opportunities.

The Golden Eagles and the Tigers looked as if they would head into halftime scoreless but a goal by Southern Miss redshirt junior forward Hailey Pohevitz in the 43^rd minute of play provided the Golden Eagles with a 1-0 lead. Junior defender Caitlin Pierce was credited with the assist on Pohevitz's goal. In addition, the goal marked the fourth of the season for Pohevitz, tying her with fellow redshirt junior forward Alice Campos as Southern Miss' leading goal scorer.

Southern Miss opened the second half strong as they continued to fight off a tough Auburn team.

The Golden Eagles maintained their 1-0 lead for almost the entire second half until junior forward Ariel Diaz netted an insurance goal with just 27 seconds remaining, creating a 2-0 advantage for Southern Miss.

In addition to the goals scored by Pohevitz and Diaz, the Southern Miss defense along with the goalkeeping of junior Kendell Mindnich and redshirt sophomore Sarah Preston played a huge role in the Golden Eagles win over the Tigers.

Mindnich and Preston split time in the net, with Mindnich starting and playing the entire first half and Preston taking over after halftime and playing the entire second half.

Friday night marked the third shutout of the season for the Southern Miss defense with all three of their shutouts coming in the last three matches played. Key saves by Mindnich and Preston in the contest were also vital to Southern Miss notching its third consecutive shutout against opponents.

Mindnich on Southern Miss' win and teaming up with Preston to produce a clean sheet
"Tonight we fought for a full 90 minutes. We were gritty, had confidence, and respected our opponent by playing the way we know how to. The result was hard work and we deserved that win. Having a shutout against an SEC school is huge for this team. Sarah and I were solid and took control and stood strong in the back to keep a clean sheet."

Preston on the Golden Eagles' victory and the combined shutout with Mindnich
"Our team put together a solid and tough 90 minutes. Our entire 22 player roster got that win tonight. It was the first game that we all felt good for the whole 90 minutes. Auburn gave our defense and midfield many different offensive styles and we handled all that they gave us. This is a great turning point for us and everyone is excited to attack this Sunday and the first conference game next Saturday."

The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Sunday, September 15 when they host the Jackson State Tigers. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (CT) at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex.

For all of the latest Southern Miss soccer news, fans can follow the official Southern Miss soccer Twitter account (@SouthernMissSoc), Instagram account (@southernmisssoccer) and Facebook account (Southern Miss Soccer).