Sept. 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University soccer team will play against its first nationally-ranked opponent of the 2006 season Friday as the Bulldogs take on the 22nd-ranked Auburn Tigers at 7 p.m., at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

"This is a big match," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Auburn and what they've been able to accomplish in the last couple of years and we're good friends with their coaching staff. Obviously, they are one of the best teams in the nation and it's going to be a big challenge for us."

Samford (5-1) enters Friday's in-state duel riding a four-match winning streak. The Bulldogs are the 10th-ranked team in the Southeast Region and have not allowed a goal since Aug. 27.

So far this month, the Bulldogs have reeled off consecutive victories over Arkansas State, 4-0, Memphis, 1-0, Birmingham-Southern, 1-0, and Winthrop, 1-0. Samford played at home for the first time last weekend and earned the championship title of the Barber's Classic.

The Bulldogs have compiled a 3-1 record on the road this season and have outscored their opposition 10-3. Samford opened its 2006 campaign with a pair of road exhibition wins against both Southern Miss and Alabama.

"Playing on the road always presents some difficulties, but we've already played on the road so often this season, that it's become a bit easier," Yelton said. "Even with that, I think that Auburn is one of the toughest environments to play in the nation and they've already beat some really good, ranked opponents there this season."

Auburn (5-1) heads into Friday's match looking to rebound from a hard-fought loss at Illinois on Sunday. After defeating Portland State, 3-1, in the opening round of the University of Illinois Tournament, the Tigers fell to the hometown-favorite Illini, 1-0.

Auburn started the season with five straight victories, including a pair of wins against top-25 ranked opponents.

On Aug. 25, the Tigers knocked off No. 15 Texas at home, 1-0, before defeating No. 22-ranked Dartmouth in overtime, 1-0, Sept. 1. Auburn has also defeated Jacksonville State, 4-0, and William and Mary, 2-1, this season.

Friday's meeting will be the first between Samford and Auburn since 2004 and just the third in the all-time series.

The Tigers hold the lead in the series standings, 2-0, after defeating Samford, 1-0, in 2003 and 3-0 in 2004. Auburn was the 20th-ranked team in the nation in 2004.

"I expect this to be a tight match," said Yelton. "Historically, neither team gives up a lot of goals, so I think that it will be a 1-0 or 2-1 game. The winning team will need to limit their mistakes and capitalize on their scoring chances."

Friday's contest will be broadcast live via the internet by Samford's "Voice of the Bulldogs" Justin Firesheets. To tune in, log on to www.samfordsports.com and there will be a link under the Schedule of Events.

Following Samford's match against Auburn, the Bulldogs fly to Waco, Texas, in preparation for their 1 p.m., contest against the Baylor Bears on Sunday.