OREM, Utah — A goal early, a goal late, and a dose of lockdown defense was the perfect success formula for Auburn (3-2-1) to topple Utah Valley (1-2-1) 2-0 Monday afternoon at UCCU Stadium in Orem, Utah.
“Huge result on the road against a very good Utah Valley team that is going to beat a lot of teams this year,” head coach James Armstrong said. “Really proud of the effort from the girls. We learned a lot from Friday night’s experience, and I think that showed today. So excited to go back to Auburn and build on this momentum.”
Senior Erin Flurey put away the Tigers’ opening goal on a penalty kick in the ninth minute. Freshman Gracie Brown scored her first career goal with a top bins screamer in the 80th.
“It was a really special moment, especially because I knew we needed that goal as a cushion,” Brown said. “I’m just happy I could get it done for the team. We all deserved that goal, not just me. I’m happy for the team and happy we can fly home with three points.”
Auburn outshot Utah Valley 16(8) to 13(1) and created four attacking corner kicks, bringing its season total to 38.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A nice interchange between junior Olivia Woodson and Flurey caught the Wolverines on their heels in the eighth minute, resulting in a penalty kick via a foul drawn in the box. Flurey buried the PK low left to give the Tigers an early advantage.
Brown put away the second goal for a little insurance in the 80th minute. Freshman Ava Caldwell spun out of pressure deep in the Tigers’ defensive half, then dribbled into space before playing a through ball to junior Dylan Driver. Driver drove up the left side and passed across the face of goal to find Brown crashing in on the back post. Brown took one touch before smashing the chance inside the right side upper 90.
AUBURN NOTABLES
Flurey’s ninth-minute goal was the 20th of her collegiate career, and her team-leading fifth of the year. She is now a perfect 5-for-5 from the penalty spot.
Brown bagged her first career goal with the late screamer. Driver assisted the play, earning her team-leading fourth of the season.
Auburn’s defense stood tall and held Utah Valley off the board for the first time in 15 matches. The Tigers also held the Wolverines to a single shot on goal, their lowest of 2025 by five.
Freshman goalkeeper Ayana Yapo made a single save on the on-target shot to collect her fourth clean sheet of the season.
UP NEXT
FGCU visits The Plains on Sunday, Sept. 7. Auburn is set to celebrate its 32-year history with Alumni Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT on SECN+.