AUBURN, Ala. – Coach James Armstrong and Auburn soccer got their first SEC win Thursday, defeating Texas A&M 1-0 at home. The game-winning goal came off the head of Olivia Woodson in the 84th minute as the defense aided Ayana Yapo’s sixth shutout.
In an aggressive first half for both teams, it would be Auburn that would take advantage of the half’s nine combined fouls. Although none of their shots got across for the Tigers, Auburn pressured the Aggies’ defense with 12 first half shots, with seven of those getting saved by A&M’s Maysen Veronda.
Even with Veronda’s spectacular first half, it felt as the Tigers were going to get a goal eventually. It was the SEC goal leader, Erin Flurey, that set up her teammate, Olivia Woodson. Flurey crossed an amazing ball into the middle of box, allowing Woodson to head the ball into the left side of the net, right past the hands of Veronda.
After the game, Auburn forward Olivia Woodson talked about her goal to seal the victory.
“Just running down the field, up from the midfield, I’m dying to get into the box, and when she served that… I was like I have to get that off, so when I saw it in the back of the net I was extremely excited,” Woodson said.
Woodson wasn’t the only great player for Auburn today, as first-year starter in goal, Ayana Yapo, got her sixth shutout of the season.
Texas A&M amped up their pressure second half, especially after Lily Deveraux’s injury in the 76th minute, but couldn’t come up with any great chances late with Auburn’s physical defense. Texas A&M’s team and fans thought they would get their best opportunity of the night in the second half as Auburn’s Erin Houston shoved an Aggie down in the Tiger’s own 18. After VAR though, it was determined as a non-penalty and Auburn fans breathed a sigh of relief.
The Tigers look ahead to their next SEC opponent in #12 ranked Missippi State Sunday, as Coach Armstrong returns to Starkville in his first game since making the switch over last year. That game will be at 6:00 CDT and will likely be broadcasted on SECN+.
