Final non-conference tests await soccer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas soccer team heads to the Sunshine State this weekend for matchups with Florida Atlantic and FIU for its final non-conference contests. The Razorbacks open the road trip with a Sept. 18 meeting with FAU at 6 p.m. (CT) at the FAU Soccer Complex. It will be the first meeting between the two programs.

In the weekend finale, Arkansas (5-0-1) will take on FIU at noon (CT). The Golden Panthers lead the all-time series, 2-1, but the teams haven’t met since the 1994 season, a 4-1 victory for the Razorbacks.

Laurel Pastor leads the team in scoring with seven points on two goals and three assists. Her assist total is a career high, besting her previous mark of two set last season while at Virginia Commonwealth. The junior forward is tied for fifth in the Southeastern Conference with her three assists. Pastor has registered a goal or an assist in three of Arkansas’ past four games.

Allie Chandler and Sophie Wentz are tied for second with six points, each with two goals and two assists. Chandler leads the team with 13 shots. The Razorbacks have outshot their opponents in each match this season, and have totaled a 97-43 advantage through six matches. The Razorbacks’ 14 goals scored this season have been spread among 11 players.

In goal, Britni Williams owns a 0.35 goals against average and has four shutouts to her credit. Her GAA is good for 17th among the nation’s goalkeepers. With a shutout against Stephen F. Austin in her last outing, the junior goalkeeper moved into a tie for second place with Carrie Dillsaver (2003-06) on Arkansas’ career shutout list with 17, one away from becoming the program’s all-time leader. Molly Myers (1989-92) currently sits atop the list with 17.5 career shutouts.

Florida Atlantic (2-4-1) are led offensively by 2009 preseason All-Sun Belt selection Ashley Mannarino with seven points (3 G, 1 A). She was also a member of the 2008 all-conference second team. Tamara Kesser, Janelle Blake and Breana Lewis have each scored a goal for FAU. The Owls also return 2008 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year Laura Hyvonen. Goalkeeper Ashley Lantes owns a 1.43 GAA with 43 saves and two shutouts.

For FIU (2-3-2), Katrina Rose leads the team with two goals followed by four teammates with one goal each. Rose was a member of the 2008 All-Sun Belt second team. FIU is under the direction of 2008 Sun Belt Co-Coach of the Year Thomas Chestnut. In goal, the Golden Panthers have split time between Melanie Raimo and Kaitlyn Savage. Raimo has four starts with a 0.86 goals against average. Each goalkeeper has one shutout this season.

Entering the weekend of competition, Arkansas is one of 20 unbeaten teams in the nation of more than 300 Division I women’s soccer programs. Live stats and more information will be available for both weekend matches by logging on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Download: 2009 game notes_fau,fiu.pdf