Auburn, Samford set to compete in NCAA women’s soccer tournament

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The Bulldogs soccer team finding out where they’ll play in the NCAA Tournament. (Samford Athletics)

The postseason has arrived for collegiate women’s soccer and two teams here in Alabama are still competing for the NCAA Division I national championship.

Both Auburn and Samford heard their names called during Monday’s selection show for this year’s field of 64 teams. The Tigers get to play at home in the first round while the Bulldogs travel to take on the defending national champions.

ICYMI: Former Auburn star Alyssa Malonson assists goal in debut with USWNT

Keep reading to find out more about the teams’ first round matchups + how you can watch them compete this week.

Florida International at Auburn

Auburn is back in the tournament for the first time since 2021. The Tigers have 13 total wins in their previous 17 appearances in the tournament including a run to the quarterfinals back in 2016.

To open the tournament, Auburn will host Florida International for the first time in program history. Here’s what you need to know:

  • What: #11 FIU at #6 Auburn
  • Where: Auburn Soccer Complex, 730 Biggio Drive, Auburn, Ala. 36830
  • When: 6PM | Friday, Nov. 15
  • Watch: ESPN+
  • Tickets | More info

This year, Auburn holds a 12-3-4 record but struggled a bit down the stretch, going winless in its final four matches. The Tigers were knocked out in the first round of the SEC Tournament.

However, the season resume was still good enough for the Tigers to get a No. 6 seed and a home game in the first round. Auburn has not lost at home this season and has recorded wins over ranked opponents Clemson and Ohio State on The Plains.

Samford at Florida State

Samford claimed a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four seasons after winning the Southern Conference Championship. This will be the program’s eighth appearance in the tournament, moving past the first round twice including in 2021.

The Bulldogs may be up against the biggest challenge they have ever faced this week after landing a 16 seed in this year’s field. Samford will hit the road to take on defending champion Florida State.

  • What: #16 Samford at #1 Florida State
  • Where: Florida State Soccer Complex, 119 Spirit Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304
  • When: 4PM | Friday, Nov. 15
  • Watch: ESPN+
  • Tickets | More info

Samford is 12-6-3 this season, riding an 11-match unbeaten streak dating back to Sept. 19.

Meanwhile, the Seminoles are 14-2-3 and just won their fifth consecutive ACC championship. Florida State has won two of the last three national championship and it has won four titles in the last decade.

Check out the complete bracket for the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.

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Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
Articles: 379