AUBURN, Ala. — Holding No. 13 Tennessee without a shot on goal for the first 78 minutes of the match, the Auburn soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over the Lady Vols on Thursday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The win marks Auburn's first top-15 victory since the Tigers defeated No. 6 Arkansas during the 2023 season and the first ranked victory for second-year head coach James Armstrong as an Auburn Tiger.
“I’m so proud of this team,” Armstrong said. “I didn’t know how much more we had left in us after that long road trip and our depth isn't as big as some of the other roster. We asked them what they were willing to sacrifice. What were they willing to do for one another today? And, I mean, that was a heck of a performance. Every single person from the bench to the players on the field. It was a complete team win, and I'm really, really proud of them.”
The Tigers (7-2-3, 3-2-0 SEC) continued their dominant defensive stretch, recording their 10th shutout in 12 matches after limiting Tennessee (6-2-3, 1-2-2 SEC) to one corner kick and one shot on goal.
Auburn's back line has allowed just three goals this season, leading the SEC and ranking tied for third nationally. It also marks the fewest goals allowed in program history through 12 matches.
The Tigers struck first in the 25th minute as junior Gracie Brown intercepted a pass in the middle of the field. Brown played a first-time ball over the top that forward Dylan Driver ran onto and fired to the far post to put the Tigers on top.
“To be able to put a goal away like that in a game like this means everything,” Driver added postgame. “I was just so happy to see it go in the back of the net. We are so excited about this. We’re going to celebrate and be happy in the moment and then move on to our next opponent after tonight. It feels so good to be a winner, especially on your home field in front of your home crowd.”
Goalkeeper Ayana Yapo recorded her 50th career save, punching away the only Tennessee shot on frame late in the contest.
The Tigers' next challenge comes against a second consecutive ranked opponent as they hit the road to face No. 21 Oklahoma. Kickoff between the Tigers and Sooners is set for Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. CT.
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