AUBURN, Ala. — No. 21 Auburn soccer recorded its 11th shutout of the season Sunday evening, battling Mississippi State to a 0-0 draw in front of 1,810 fans, the ninth-largest crowd in Auburn Soccer Complex history.
The Tigers (8-2-5, 4-2-2 SEC) are now one shutout away from matching the program’s single-season record of 12, set by the 2003 and 2024 teams. Auburn has allowed just four goals through 15 matches, continuing one of the stingiest defensive campaigns in program history.
“We did everything in the second half, but put the ball in the back of the net,” head coach James Armstrong said. “I guess we did actually do that, but it got called back. We huffed and puffed and did everything that we asked them to do, but that bounce didn't go our way tonight. It’s another two points lost. I don't know what the league table looks like right now, but I'm proud of the effort of the girls. They been going a long time now. We don't have a ton of depth, and so I can't ask any more of them from that second half.”
The result also extended Auburn’s unbeaten home record against Mississippi State (8-2-5, 2-1-5 SEC). The Tigers are now 13-0-3 all-time against the Bulldogs in Auburn.
Auburn came inches from breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute. After an unsuccessful challenge for a potential handball in the box, the Tigers put two shots on goal in quick succession off the ensuing corner kick. Gracie Brown’s second attempt was initially ruled a goal, but a review overturned the decision after officials called a foul on Dylan Driver during the initial service, nullifying both attempts.
In goal, Ayana Yapo turned aside both shots on target from the Bulldogs, while the defense for Auburn limited Mississippi State to just five total shots, marking the fewest for State in a match since 2022.
With four goals allowed, Auburn is on pace to break its program record for fewest goals conceded in a regular season. The 2022 team holds the current mark with 13 goals allowed.
The Tigers’ defensive numbers continue to rank among the nation’s best. Auburn has surrendered the fewest goals in the SEC and is tied for the second-fewest nationally. The Tigers also have yet to concede a second-half goal this season.
Auburn closes the regular season on the road with a pair of matches, beginning with a nationally televised contest at Florida on Thursday, Oct. 22. Kickoff against the Gators is set for 6 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
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