Auburn managed to defeat Utah Valley 2-0 with strong defense and two well-timed goals on Monday afternoon at UCCU Stadium in Orem, Utah. The win marked the Tigers’ third shutout of the season and provided a strong bounce-back from last week’s loss, showing the growth of a young roster that continues to gain confidence with each outing. Auburn outshot Utah Valley 16(8) to 13(1) and earned four corner kicks, bringing their season total to 38.
“Huge result on the road against a very good Utah Valley team that is going to beat a lot of teams this year,” head coach James Armstrong said. “Really proud of the effort from the girls. We learned a lot from Friday night’s experience, and I think that showed today. So excited to go back to Auburn and build on this momentum.”
Senior Erin Flurey capitalized on an early opportunity in the ninth minute, burying a penalty kick low to the left after she and junior Olivia Woodson worked together to force a foul in the box. Flurey’s strike gave the Tigers early control and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The goal was also the 20th of her collegiate career and her team-leading fifth of the year. She is now a perfect 5-for-5 from the penalty spot.
Auburn then sealed the match in the 80th minute when freshman Ava Caldwell spun out of pressure in the defensive half and sparked a counterattack. She slipped a through ball to junior Dylan Driver, who drove up the left wing and sent a cross to the back post for freshman Gracie Brown. Brown took one touch before smashing her first career goal into the upper right corner for the 2-0 cushion. The play highlighted Auburn’s ability to transition quickly, with Brown bagging her first career goal and Driver recording her team-leading fourth assist of the season.
“It was a really special moment, especially because I knew we needed that goal as a cushion,” Brown said. “I’m just happy I could get it done for the team. We all deserved that goal, not just me. I’m happy for the team and happy we can fly home with three points.”
The Tigers’ defensive performance was equally noteworthy. Auburn stood tall and held Utah Valley off the board for the first time in 15 matches, ending one of the longest active scoring streaks in the nation. The Wolverines were also held to just a single shot on goal, their lowest total of 2025 by five attempts. Freshman goalkeeper Ayana Yapo calmly handled that lone chance, securing her fourth clean sheet of the season and further establishing herself as a steady presence in net.
FGCU visits The Plains on Sunday, Sept. 7, as Auburn is set to celebrate its 32-year history with Alumni Day. The event will bring together former players, fans, and families to honor the program’s tradition before kickoff at 1 p.m. CT on SECN+.
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