Coming off a win against Kennesaw State, the Auburn Tigers are hitting the road for the first time this season as they travel to Provo, Utah, to take on the BYU Cougars.
BYU enters the match-up with a 2-1 record this preseason, coming off a statement win against UCLA in their home opener this past Saturday. The Cougars are undefeated at home this season (1-0) and will look to build on this early momentum, aiming for their eighth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.
On the offensive line of play, BYU has tallied six goals across three games, averaging 18 shots per match with a total of 54 shots. A standout performer to watch in this upcoming game will be junior forward Ellie Walbruch, who has three of those six goals and is expected to pose a threat to Auburn’s defense. In net, junior goalkeeper, Paiton Collins, stands with a .750 save percentage, providing a solid line of defense for the Cougars.
Meanwhile, Auburn brings a 2-1-1 overall record into the match-up, with a 2-game winning streak. The Tigers provide an aggressive offense, having put up 80 shots and nine goals over their first four games, averaging 20 shots per game.
With some strong new additions from the transfer portal, the Tigers have some athletes to keep an eye on in this upcoming match-up. Transfer students to look out for include Layla Sirdah, a dynamic forward coming from Indiana, Asha Means, transferring from UNC, and Erin Flurey, from Florida State.
Redshirt senior midfielder Flurey leads the team with four goals, and junior forward Olivia Woodson who has contributed two goals and two assists. Another key offensive athlete is Dylan Driver, who leads the team in assists with three so far this season. In the net, Redshirt Freshman, Ayana Yapo has an .833 saving percentage, holding down the defensive line for the Tigers.
Another aspect in Auburn’s favor this upcoming season is their new addition of head coach James Armstrong, who was hired this past December. Armstrong has spent time on the plains as the assistant head coach, but spent time as the head coach at Mississippi State, where he led them to the 2024 Southeastern Championship and two consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 appearances. Hoping to continue his legacy in Auburn, every match-up counts as the Tigers have yet to have a run in the postseason since their Elite Eight appearance in 2016.
As for the Cougars staff, Jennifer Rockwood is entering her 31st season as the first and only head coach of the BYU women’s soccer team, with a .748-win percentage, third in the NCAA D1 active winning percentages.
This will be a promising match-up for the two, not only as BYU looks to build upon its win streak, but as Auburn attempts to extend its own record with its first game on the road for this season. This match will occur on the 29th at 8:00 PM CST on ESPN+.
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Sarah is a sophomore majoring in public relations. She started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
