If the conference wasn’t on notice already, it sure was by about the 69th minute on Sunday night.
Auburn’s instant-impact freshman Chloe Taylor has been named SEC Freshman of the Week, being awarded the honor on Monday after making two starts for the Tigers in the first week of the regular season — highlighted by the impressive goal she blasted into the net late in Auburn’s 5-0 win Sunday night over Jacksonville State.
Taylor dribbled past a defender in that moment, then unleashed a high-powered shot from outside the 18-yard box — which whizzed well out of reach past the Jacksonville State keeper and just under the crossbar for the first goal of her collegiate career.
With one shot, Taylor showed why Auburn head coach James Armstrong has been raving about her since she stepped foot on campus.
“She’s unbelievable, man,” Armstrong said after the game. “She’s a great, great player. She’s physically, mentally, tactically, technically, just a quality player.
“I’m glad she’s at Auburn,” he smiled.
Taylor, from North Vancouver, British Columbia, has served as captain for the U17 Canadian National Team, and has been invited to camps for Canada’s U20 team.
She played 70 minutes for Auburn against Jacksonville State. She also started Auburn’s 0-0 season opener against Clemson and played 73 minutes.
She also scored a goal in the team’s preseason exhibition with Georgia Southern, heading in a cross from Kennedy Husbands on a free kick.
“She’s so impressive,” Auburn redshirt senior Dylan Driver said after the win over Jacksonville State. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a freshman with that much confidence in themselves, in like the best way possible. She is an incredible player and she plays like she’s an incredible player. She’s going to go in with everything. She knows her skillset, she puts it to work, and she makes us infinitely better. She’s such a great player.”
Offensive explosion: Insights and takeaways from Auburn soccer's 5-0 win over Jacksonville State
Dylan Driver uncorked it for Auburn. Then Hannah Bell poured it on.
This is the year. Chloe Taylor has improved so much under this new offense. She's focused. She's having fun. I wouldn't be surprised if she's a dark horse for the SEC Freshman of the Year.
Great coverage Justin! Just wondering - has the conference given any consideration to men's soccer or is that just a bridge too far with all the money going to football and basketball NIL? Also, if AU started men's soccer would AU then need to start a new sport for women to even it out?