The Tigers ended the season on a positive note with a three-match unbeaten streak with a 1-1 draw to Missouri at the Auburn Soccer Complex with 1002 in attendance for the final regular season game.
Auburn (5-5-7, 1-3-6) outshot Missouri (4-10-3, 1-7-2) 22-6 in the contest, completely controlling the game offensively. Dylan Driver broke through in the 20th minute to give Auburn the early advantage. This was not enough to defeat a relentless Missouri team where goalkeeper Riley Wilkerson made nine saves keeping the opposing Tigers in the game and shutting down many other chances Auburn had.
The Tigers also held 60% possession and had double-digit attacking corner kicks for the third time this season and held Missouri to only four, but the persistent attack was met with consistent goaltending.
Missouri was able to get a late goal in the 82nd minute of the game that helped secure a draw in the final minutes and allowed Missouri to squeak by.
“It’s the story of our season so far. We dominate the box score, but we don’t put teams away,” head coach James Armstrong said. “Giving up a late goal on a set piece was very disappointing. Credit to Missouri, they had some great saves, and we were a little unlucky at times, but we’ve got to pull the trigger when it’s on and make sure we’re taking the right shots at the right times.”
Auburn goaltender Ayana Yapo had two saves in the game. Driver had a goal on six shots, which was a career high on shots. Grace Ivey had four shots, Erin Flurey had four and Hayden Colson had three. Taylor Chism had an assist in the contest. This was Driver’s seventh goal of her career and Chism’s fourth career assist.
The regular season has come to an end, but the Tigers still have a chance to light a spark with postseason play. The Tigers will need to remember what coach Armstrong said going forward and look for better shots to have a consistent attack against great SEC competition.
Auburn will need to carry its momentum from the last three games into the SEC tournament. The Tigers must continue its great balanced attack on offense and defense, but will have to finish better to extend their season.
Auburn will start postseason play and will travel to Pensacola, Florida to take on LSU in the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex on Sunday, November 2 at 7:00 PM CST.
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Tyler Cox is a sophomore from Atlanta majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in fall 2023.
