Position battle for starting goalkeeper shakes up at Auburn, with Malia Loadwick making her challenge for starting spot

The battle for the starting spot at goalie has changed since the start of fall practice, and is a key question mark for Auburn going into its final preseason preseason exhibition Saturday.

Aug 08, 2026

∙ Paid

Auburn goalkeeper Malia Loadwick (0) stops a ball during practice July 16, 2026, at the Auburn Soccer Complex in Auburn. (Zach Bland/AU Athletics)

Auburn redshirt freshman goalkeeper Malia Loadwick has stepped up in preseason practices to challenge returning starter Ayana Yapo for the starting job in preseason practices — with just one preseason exhibition left between the Tigers and the the regular-season opener next Wednesday against Clemson.

It’s an open competition for the starting spot, said Auburn head coach James Armstrong, who hopes to play both Loadwick and Yapo in the exhibition against Georgia Southern at 5 p.m. Saturday in Auburn.

Loadwick’s entrance into the battle for the starting spot is a new development since the start of fall practice:

Position battle for starting goalkeeper shakes up at Auburn, with Malia Loadwick making her challenge for starting spot

The battle for the starting spot at goalie has changed since the start of fall practice, and is a key question mark for Auburn going into its final preseason preseason exhibition Saturday.

This post is for paid subscribers