Auburn soccer earned a well-deserved point against one of the top teams in the SEC on Sunday afternoon, drawing No. 10 South Carolina 1-1 at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Despite surrendering a late equalizer, the Tigers showed their determination and organization on both ends of the pitch, holding an extremely balanced team to just six total shots.
The result moved Auburn to 5-4-4 (1-2-3 SEC) on the season, while South Carolina shifted to 9-1-4 (3-0-3 SEC). For the Tigers, it was their first point against a top-10 conference opponent since October 2023, when they defeated then-No. 6 Arkansas, 2-1.
The Tigers struck first midway through the first half when senior midfielder Erin Flurey converted a penalty kick in the 29th minute after a foul in the box on Auburn forward Anna Young. Flurey’s finish to the right corner gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead and marked her team-leading fifth goal of the season.
Auburn maintained control for much of the opening frame, holding 61% of possession and maintaining steady pressure through Olivia Woodson, Katie Shea Collins, and Hayden Colson. The Tigers recorded six first-half shots compared to the Gamecocks’ three, and they kept the visitors largely confined to the midfield with disciplined defensive shape.
In goal, freshman Ayana Yapo continued her breakout campaign with another standout performance. She made two crucial saves, including one in the 27th minute on a close-range shot from South Carolina, preserving Auburn’s one-goal advantage entering halftime. Her athleticism and quick reads helped her improve to 21 total saves on the season.
The back line in front of her was equally dependable. Defenders Taylor Chism, Lily Devereaux, Jordyn Crosby, and Erin Houston anchored a strong defensive unit that shut down South Carolina’s central attack. Their ability to win aerial duels and clear out dangerous rebounds limited the Gamecocks to only two shots on target across the full 90 minutes.
In the midfield, Gracie Brown and Hayden Colson both recorded complete 90-minute performances. Brown, earning her first full-match shift of her career, was instrumental in controlling tempo and disrupting South Carolina’s transition play. Auburn’s midfield duo continuously won second balls and distributed effectively to the flanks, allowing the Tigers to stretch the field and create crossing chances from wide areas.
The match grew increasingly physical in the second half as the Gamecocks ramped up their attack, drawing several fouls from both sides. South Carolina earned two corner kicks to Auburn’s four, but the Tigers continued to look more dangerous in transition. Several substitutions by head coach James Armstrong aimed to maintain defensive organization while keeping pace on the counterattack.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, South Carolina’s persistence paid off in the closing moments. In the 88th minute, Auburn was whistled for a handball inside the box, giving the Gamecocks a penalty kick and a chance to equalize. South Carolina’s Cuyler Zulauf stepped up to the spot and buried her attempt past Yapo to tie the match at 1-1.
Despite a late push from both sides, neither team could find a winner in the remaining minutes. Auburn managed one final shot from Tyler Clyburn in the 90th minute, but it went just wide.
Head coach James Armstrong praised his team’s effort but emphasized the need to close out matches late.
“Once again, we’re leading against a really good team with two minutes remaining and we didn’t make the play,” Armstrong said. “It’s really demoralizing right now, but the good news is, the girls worked their tails off for large parts of the game. We’re growing in our play and our identity, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to learn how to win.”
While the draw was bittersweet, it was an important step forward for Auburn, who has faced one of the toughest schedules in the SEC.
The team will now turn its attention to a rivalry matchup on the road. Auburn travels to Tuscaloosa on Friday, Oct. 10, for the Iron Bowl of Soccer against Alabama. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.
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