BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Auburn women's soccer team remained unbeaten Sunday evening after battling Samford to a scoreless 0-0 draw at Shauna Yelton Field. The Tigers finished non-conference play with a 4-0-3 record, while Samford moved to 3-1-3 on the season.
Auburn controlled much of the match offensively, outshooting the Bulldogs 22-10 and holding a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Although this created more opportunities for the Tigers, they could not find the back of the net as Samford keeper Peyton Hull made five saves to preserve the shutout. Auburn goalkeeper Ayana Yapo also recorded four saves in her sixth shutout of the season.
The Tigers produced several chances throughout the opening half but entered the break tied 0-0. Senior forward Dylan Driver recorded five shots, including one on goal, while junior defender Jordyn Crosby added four shots with two on target. Samford also tested Yapo early, but the Auburn goalkeeper kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.
Auburn continued to apply pressure after halftime. Junior Kelly Gordan sent a shot off the woodwork just over a minute into the second half. Crosby continued to threaten Samford’s defense late in the match, forcing Hull to make two saves in the final 10 minutes. The Tigers also earned corner kicks in the closing minutes, but Samford's defense stood firm.
The physicality was evident throughout the whole 90 minutes. Auburn committed 16 fouls compared to Samford's 12, and yellow cards were issued in the second half to Samford players Martha Bishop and Alex Parr, along with Auburn's Layla Sirdah. Samford head coach Todd Yelton described the contest as an especially physical game that came down to grit from both teams.
The draw gives Auburn its third tie of the season and extends its unbeaten start through seven matches. The Tigers entered the game having already recorded five shutouts in their first six games, and Sunday's result added another clean sheet to an impressive defensive start.
Auburn will return to the Plains for its SEC opener against No. 6 Alabama on Friday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at the Auburn Soccer Complex. The Tigers will look to carry their unbeaten record and strong defensive form into conference play.
