AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer fought tooth and nail with No. 11 BYU in front of a hostile crowd of 4,300 but was unable to convert on a number of chances as the Tigers (2-2-1) ultimately fell to the Cougars (3-0-1) 2-0 Friday night at South Field.
“Really proud of this group for going into an incredible environment, where it was us against nearly 5,000 people, and working hard and doing some things really well,” head coach James Armstrong said. “For large parts of the first half, we were really, really good. BYU came out a lot stronger in the second half, and we just couldn’t quite get a hold of the game for those first 15 minutes. We conceded two soft goals, but there’s a lot to learn from this and many positives to take away from the game. Really proud once again of the fight and the effort and the attitude we showed.”
Auburn put up 12(1) shots to BYU’s 14(4). The Tigers won the advantage on corner kicks, 6-3. Sophomore Layla Sirdah got off four shots, including the lone one on target, to lead Auburn’s chance creators.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Auburn impressed with a dynamic performance in the first half, outshooting BYU 9-6 and creating three attacking corner kicks to the opposition’s one. The Tigers permitted just one on-target shot, which was easily corralled by goalkeeper Ayana Yapo as it rolled to the lower left corner of the frame.
BYU found its opener in the 57th minute on an Auburn own goal. A Cougar cross from the right side was deflected into the back of the net on a missed clearance.
In the 79th minute, Paisley Freeman added another BYU goal on a lofted ball to the far post that got lost in traffic and snuck its way inside the net.
AUBURN NOTABLES
Freshmen Gracie Brown and Tyler Clyburn checked into the match off the bench and assisted with a pair of positive performances to earn career-high minutes, playing 47 and 45, respectively. Starting freshman center back Lily Devereaux also played a career high, going the full 90 for the first time in her career.
Also putting in a full 90 shift were seniors Taylor Chism, Hayden Colson and Erin Houston.
UP NEXT
Auburn heads to Utah Valley for another tall test on Monday, Sept 1. Kickoff at UCCU Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. CT on ESPN+.