AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn is back in the win column, and it couldn't have come in a better way. The Tigers beat No. 13 Tennessee 1-0 in an SEC showdown on the Plains and move to 7-2-3 overall and 3-2-0 in SEC play. With the loss, the Volunteers now sit at 6-2-3 overall and 1-2-2 in the SEC.
After a strong start from both sides, Auburn opened the scoring in the 25th minute after Gracie Brown intercepted a ball outside the box and delivered a one-touch pass. Brown’s pass landed on Dylan Driver's right foot, and she finished in the bottom corner for the game-winning goal.
The Tigers didn't take their foot off the gas, spending the rest of the half attacking at a high level. In the final 20 minutes of the half, Auburn recorded four shots compared to Tennessee's zero. One of those shots by Kennedy Husbands landed in the bottom-left corner but was saved by Tennessee goalkeeper Cayden Norris.
Auburn recorded three shots on goal and 11 total shots while holding Tennessee to zero shots on net until the 78th minute, when the Volunteers recorded their first and only chance on goal. After punching it away, Ayana Yapo picked up her 50th save of the season.
The Tigers' defense earned another shutout, marking its 10th of the season in just 12 games. Auburn's back line continues to shine, holding Tennessee to just one corner kick and four total shots. Tennessee had a late chance to equalize, but Auburn held strong and secured the win.
Auburn travels to Oklahoma on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. CT before returning home to host Kentucky on Thursday, Oct. 15.
