AUBURN, Ala. – Strong defense was on display during Auburn soccer’s season opener against No. 25 Clemson on Wednesday evening, as the two sets of Tigers played to a 0-0 draw in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 fans at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
“Heck of a fight tonight,” said Auburn head coach James Armstrong. “Blood, sweat and tears in that one. I think we overcame a lot of adversity. First off, Clemson is a ranked team for a reason, so for us to come out and dictate the rhythm and tempo in the first half was fantastic. We lost Tahirah (Turnage-Morales) after five minutes, we lose a rotation in the lineup, then we lose Lily (Devereaux), who is our glue.
“For us to bend at times but never break and continue to be threatening on the counterattack, I’m just really proud of the team effort tonight. I think it’s a great start. Would have wanted to win, but we had the best chance of the game and the keeper made a great save. That’s soccer sometimes. We’ve just got to build on this momentum.”
Auburn took eight shots throughout the night, with four of them on target. Auburn outshot Clemson, which had six shots and only two on goal. Auburn’s best opportunity of the night came in the eighth minute, when Kennedy Husbands’ cross was headed by Dylan Driver and nearly led to an Auburn score.
Good look 👀#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/zAPtC78WAv
— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnSoccer) August 12, 2026
Husbands also took two shots on goal, with Hannah Bell claiming the other for the Tigers.
Late in the second half, Auburn goalkeeper Ayana Yapo came up with two crucial saves in the 70th and 71st minutes to help solidify the tie.
With the draw, Clemson leads the all-time series against Auburn 8-2-2, and both teams begin the season with a 0-0-1 overall record.
Up next, Auburn will remain at home to face Jacksonville State on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CT. Admission to the match at the Auburn Soccer Complex is free, and fans in attendance will receive an Auburn soccer stress-relief plushie while supplies last. Beginning this season, personal coolers with cans are permitted at the Auburn Soccer Complex, but only people 21 and older may consume alcohol.
The game will be streamed on SEC Network+, while radio coverage will be available terrestrially on WEGL 91.1 and via streaming at AuburnTigers.com. Live stats will also be available at AuburnTigers.com.