The University of Kentucky women?s soccer team suffered its first loss of the season today, Oct. 2, as Southeastern Conference foe Auburn handed the Wildcats a 2-1 loss. UK falls to 5-1-6 on the year and 1-1-2 in the SEC, while the Tigers move to 3-7-1 overall and 2-2 in league play.

Auburn’s two goals were the most allowed by the Wildcats this season.

UK outshot UA 4-2 in the opening period, but the Tigers scored first as Kristin Stewart?s breakaway shot from 12 yards out went past UK goalkeeper Anne Ogundele in the 29th minute. Courtney Crandell was credited with an assist on the play which put UA on top 1-0.

Sophomore Sarah Gaunt tied the match at 1-1 with her team-high fifth goal of the year during the 65th minute. Freshman Nicola Holdsworth had the assist as Gaunt punched it past UA goalkeeper Anna Fiser to knot the score.

The Tigers answered with their second goal of the game during the 82nd minute when Crandell fired a rebound off an Ogundele deflection and scored from the top of the box to put AU up 2-1.

Megan Jones and Holdsworth had a pair of back-to-back shots on goal with three minutes remaining in the second half but neither would find the net as Auburn held on for the 2-1 win.

The Cats outshot UA 13-7 for the match, but came up a goal short. UK is now 0-1-5 in games where they score one goal or less. Auburn became just the fourth team to score first against the Wildcats this season. Kentucky is 0-1-3 when their opponent scores first this season.

“We’re making it very difficult on ourselves by not taking advantage of our opportunities on the field,” said head coach Warren Lipka. “We’re giving up bad goals at crucial points in the game.”

The Wildcats return to action Friday, Oct. 7, as they continue their four-game SEC road swing at Florida. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Gainesville.