AUBURN, Ala. — No. 24 Auburn soccer closes out the regular season Sunday, traveling to Austin, Texas, to face the Longhorns at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon CT, with the match streaming on SEC Network+.
“Texas has done a really good job of setting their identity,” head coach James Armstrong said. “They’re a really good soccer team. They have some real attacking talent that we’re going to have to be at our best defensively. They’re a really well coached team that’s dangerous on possession and organized defensively.”
The Tigers (8-2-6, 4-2-3 SEC) enter the regular-season finale looking to build momentum heading into the postseason. Auburn is coming off a 1-1 draw at Florida on Oct. 22, with senior Jordyn Crosby scoring her first goal of the season to give the Tigers an early lead.
Auburn has built its identity around a strong defensive effort throughout the season. The Tigers have recorded 11 shutouts in 16 matches and have allowed just five goals, continuing to rank among the nation's top defensive teams.
Goalkeeper Ayana Yapo has been a key part of that success, recording 10 shutouts and 31 saves while posting a .861 save percentage.
Offensively, fifth-year forward Dylan Driver leads the Tigers with six goals and 14 points. Driver has delivered in key moments throughout the season, including a two-goal performance in Auburn's 2-0 win at No. 20 Oklahoma on Oct. 9.
Kennedy Husbands has also been a consistent contributor, ranking second on the team with eight points on two goals and four assists.
Texas (8-4-4, 3-3-3 SEC) enters Sunday's matchup following a 5-0 loss at No. 1 Vanderbilt on Oct. 23. The Longhorns were held to five shots in the match, while goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn recorded nine saves. Despite the loss, Texas secured its place in the SEC Tournament.
Sunday marks the final opportunity for both teams to tune up before the SEC Tournament, which begins Nov. 8 in Pensacola, Florida. Auburn will look to close the regular season with a strong performance on the road before turning its attention to postseason competition.
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