Wake Forest Downs Auburn, 2-0

AUBURN, Ala. - In a highly anticipated ACC versus SEC showdown, the Wake Forest women's soccer team downed Auburn, 2-0, Thursday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex in Auburn, Ala., to remain unbeaten on the 2023 campaign.

With the victory, the Demon Deacons improved to 3-1-1 all-time against Auburn and 2-0-1 against the SEC in the past two regular seasons. Additionally, Thursday's win extended the Deacs' regular season non-conference win streak to 21.

Wake Forest took a 1-0 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first half Thursday when junior midfielder Anna Swanson forced an Auburn own goal after pressuring the Tigers' back line.

The Demon Deacons came out aggressive in the second half, controlling possession effectively. Just over four minutes into the frame, sophomore forward Alex Wood extended the Demon Deacons' lead when she fired a strike from the right wing past the Auburn keeper.

The Deacs refused to relinquish a significant opportunity for the remainder of the contest and held on to defeat the Tigers, 2-0.

Defensively, goalkeepers Maddy Howard and Valentina Amaral combined to register three saves en route to Thursday's clean sheet. Of note, Wake Forest has allowed only one goal over its first five matches this season.

How It Happened

Auburn came out aggressive, controlling possession early.
- After settling in, Wake Forest controlled possession over the ensuing 10 minutes, pressuring Auburn's back line.
The Tigers attempted four shots in less than 90 seconds but each attempt was blocked.
Neither side was able to create a significant opportunity over the following 15 minutes of action.
Anna Swanson attempted the Deacs' first shot in the 32nd minute but it was off frame.
With just over four minutes remaining in the first half, the Deacs took a 1-0 lead from an Auburn own goal.
- The Demon Deacons controlled possession 57 percent in the first half.
Just over three minutes into the second half, Alex Wood gave the Deacs a 2-0 lead when she blasted a shot from the right wing past the Auburn keeper.
- The goal marked the sixth of her career.
Less than two minutes later, Auburn attempted its first shot of the second half but the attempt was off frame.
Neither side attempted a shot over the ensuing 19 minutes.
Olivia Duvall had an opportunity in the 71st minute but her shot was corralled by the Auburn goalkeeper.
Less than three minutes later, Carrie McIntire attempted her first shot of the match but was unable to find the net.
Auburn fired three shots over the following 10 minutes but none of the attempts were on goal.
Wake Forest held on for the 2-0 victory over the Tigers, improving to 4-0-1 on the year.

Demon Deacon Details of Note

Alex Wood's 49th minute goal marked the sixth of her career and her first this season.
- Last season, Wood accumulated five goals and two assists in her freshman campaign.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2023 season after making her first appearance against Purdue.
- Last season, Chavoshi helped anchor the Demon Deacons' back line, logging 1329 minutes.

Standout Stat

The Demon Deacons attempted only five shots en route to Thursday's 2-0 victory.
- Of note, three of the Demon Deacons' five shots were on goal.
Despite tallying less shots than its opponent for the second-straight match, Wake Forest has now notched consecutive victories over Power Five foes.

Tony Time with Coach da Luz
"It was a rocky start, but after about 10 minutes, we took control of the first half. It was great to see Anna (Swanson) and Alex (Wood) play well. Auburn is a good team, and they tested us but we came up with some critical defensive plays to keep the shutout. We are making steady progress each game. I like the direction we are headed." - head coach Tony da Luz

Up Next
The Deacs will return home to square off with Iona Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The match can be streamed on ACC Network Extra.

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Team Stats

Alex Wood

Anna Swanson

Carrie McIntire

Olivia Duvall

Players Mentioned

Valentina Amaral

Zara Chavoshi

Olivia Duvall

Carrie McIntire

Anna Swanson

Alex Wood

Wake Forest Athletics