Arkansas Kicks Off October Against LSU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorback soccer team looks to continue its three-match unbeaten streak and stay undefeated at home this week as it welcomes LSU to Razorback Field on Thursday. First kick with the Tigers is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be televised online on SEC Network+.
Match 13 Info
Opponent: LSU Tigers (7-4-1, 1-2-1 SEC)
Date: Thursday, Oct. 3
First Kick: 6:35 p.m.
Live Stats: http://bit.ly/2Rmbiyx
TV: SECN+
Arkansas (8-2-2, 3-1-0), which is unbeaten in the last four matches dating back to its 1-1 draw with Providence on Sept. 16, has three conference victories for nine points in the SEC race, putting it second behind Vanderbilt. Two of Arkansas’ three conference victories have been by shutout. The one non-shutout was a 3-2 victory over No. 2 Texas A&M.
The back line has been outstanding all season, particularly at home, as opponents are averaging just one goal per game and have been held off the board twice in games played at Razorback Field. Arkansas has also prevented opponents from chances off set pieces, allowing only 37 corners, 18 coming at home.
Senior defender Carly Hoke and sophomore Haley VanFossen have started every match this season (12) and played 90 or more minutes in at least nine matches. Hoke has played 90 or more minutes 10 times this season and limited opponents to 4.7 shots on goal per game in those 10 matches.
As a team, the Razorbacks are ranked in the top-25 in the country in total assists (24) with sophomore Taylor Malham and senior Stefani Doyle combining for 10 on the year. Malham is leads the team in assists (6) and is one away from cracking into the top-11 single-season assist totals in school history.
Quick Kicks
>> Arkansas hopes to extend its conference winning streak and stay unbeaten at home on Thursday when it hosts LSU on Thursday at Razorback Field. First kick is slated for 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+.
>> After defeating Missouri last week, Arkansas is 6-0-1 at home this year and scoring an average of 2.3 goals per match. In four of their last six matches, the Razorbacks have scored three or more goals, including against former No. 2 Texas A&M.
>> Last week, the Razorbacks tallied their fourth shutout of the year and second-straight after defeating Missouri, 1-0. Half of Arkansas’ clean sheets this year have come at home and two against teams that are .500 or better.
>> Sophomore Taylor Malham scored her second goal of the year last week against Missouri and now has 10 points for the season, six coming from assists. Her six assists ranks in a tie for second in the SEC.
>> Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Beitz earned her second shutout in as many starts last week against the Tigers. Both shutouts have been against SEC opponents (Alabama, Missouri).
>> Arkansas continues to lead the league in corner kicks (88) and is averaging 7.3 corners per game. With Parker Goins out with an injury, senior Reece Christopherson takes over the primary duties and has 13 corners on the year.
>> All three of Arkansas’ conference victories have been by one-goal. Overall, the Razorbacks are 5-1-0 in one-goal matches and two of those game-winning goals have come off the foot of Kayla McKeon.
>> McKeon leads all Razorback players with 11 points on the year, 10 coming from goals. Two of her five scores have come in conference play.
>> The Arkansas defense is allowing an average of 3.7 shots on goal from opponents this year at home. That average ranks as the fifth-best in the SEC.
>> Taylor Beitz has made three saves in each of her last three appearances (at Georgia, at Alabama, Missouri) and has only allowed two goals in the last 225 minutes of action. She is one of eight keepers with two shutouts already in SEC play.
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