Auburn soccer put up a tough fight with No. 11 BYU amidst an intimidating crowd of 4,300, but was unable to find the back of the net as the Tigers (2-2-1) eventually were edged out by the Cougars (3-0-1) 2-0 Friday night at South Field.
“Really proud of this group for going into an incredible environment, where it was us against nearly 5,000 people, and working hard and doing some things really well,” head coach James Armstrong said. “For large parts of the first half, we were really, really good. BYU came out a lot stronger in the second half, and we just couldn’t quite get a hold of the game for those first 15 minutes. We conceded two soft goals, but there’s a lot to learn from this and many positives to take away from the game. Really proud once again of the fight and the effort and the attitude we showed.”
Auburn came out strong in the first half, outshooting BYU 9-6 and earning three attacking corner kicks to the Cougars’ one. The Tigers allowed just one shot on goal, which goalkeeper Ayana Yapo quickly stopped at the bottom left corner.
BYU struck first in the 57th minute when a Cougar cross from the right deflected off an Auburn defender and into the net for an own goal. Paisley Freeman added to BYU’s lead in the 79th minute when a lofted ball was blocked by defenders and found its way inside the frame.
Freshmen Gracie Brown and Tyler Clyburn stepped off the bench and joined the match with a pair of favorable performances, each earning career-high minutes, playing 47 and 45, respectively. Lily Devereaux, starting freshman center back, also set a new career best, going the full 90 minutes for the first time.
Also putting in full 90 shifts were seniors Taylor Chism, Hayden Colson, and Erin Houston.
Auburn will head to Utah Valley for another match on Monday, Sept 1. Kickoff at UCCU Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST on ESPN+.
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