Auburn scores late for win

FAYETTEVILLE – Auburn’s Jessica Rightmer scored in the 87th minute as the Tigers, who were ranked in the top 25 a week ago and are now receiving votes in the polls, rallied for a 3-2 soccer victory over Arkansas at Razorback Field on Friday.

Arkansas led 1-0 and rallied to tie the game at 2-2 after Auburn took a 2-1 lead.

Auburn’s win spoiled a two-goal performance by Arkansas’ Kelsey Allison, who now leads the team with three goals for the season.

Allison’s first score came at 20:09. She scored on a left-footer at the top of the box, just beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Katy Frierson tied it for the Tigers at 30:36 with her sixth goal of the season and the game was tied 1-1 at the half.

Auburn took its 2-1 lead at 55:02 when Ashley Marks scored on an assist from Mary Nicholson.

Ten minutes later, Allison tied the game at 2-2 on another unassisted goal.

At 86:09, Rightmer won it with a loose-ball shot just inside the left post.

"We had a lot of fight tonight and I’m really proud of the team," head coach Erin Aubry said. "I am happy with the effort, but not the result. Every SEC game is going to be a battle. They will all come down to who wants it more."

For the game, Auburn had a huge advantage with 20 shots, including 16 on goal. Arkansas had nine shots with five on goal.

Allison had three shots, all on goal. Ally Atkins had two shots, both on goal.

Auburn also had a 5-4 lead in corner kicks. The Razorbacks were called for 12 fouls while Auburn was called for four.

The win improved Auburn to 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the SEC.

Arkansas is now 3-6-2 overall and 0-2-1 in the league.

Even with the loss, goalkeeper Britni Williams had 10 saves.

Both teams had good scoring opportunities in the first half. Auburn had seven shots with six on goal. Arkansas had six shots with four on goal. Arkansas had three corner kicks and Auburn two.

Aubry went with a starting lineup of Laurel Pastor, Allie Chandler and Atkins at forward; Jessie Givens, Camille Flores and Kelsey Allison at midfielder; Melanie Foncham, Beth McVean, Kailey Anders and Jenn Fryrear at defender; and Williams at goalkeeper.

Arkansas stays home on Sunday to play host to Alabama at 1 p.m.

Download: ark, auburn box.pdf