Midweek Report: Week 9
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Each week during the season, the Midweek Report will serve as a recap of the previous week of action for Arkansas Soccer, while previewing the week ahead and keeping up with national rankings and individual accolades.
Week 9 Recap
In Arkansas’ lone match of the week, the Razorbacks fell to then-No. 13 Auburn 3-2 in Auburn, Alabama, dropping to 13-3-0 overall and 6-2 in the Southeastern Conference.
Freshman Stefani Doyle and senior Lindsey Mayo scored the Razorbacks’ two goals in the match.
Rankings Watch
The Razorbacks dropped three spots to No. 15 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll released on Tuesday. Arkansas remained in third place in the NSCAA NCAA Division I Women’s South Regional Poll, behind South Carolina and Auburn.
Arkansas was also placed two spots lower at No. 12 in the nation in its latest Rating Percentage Index rankings on Monday that takes into account the team’s winning percentage and its opponents’ average winning percentage, among other factors.
The RPI plays a role in postseason NCAA Tournament bid selections and hosting opportunities.
In a separate poll, TopDrawerSoccer.com also ranked Arkansas No. 14 in the nation in its top 25 poll.
Looking Ahead
The Razorbacks will play their final two home games of the season this week, hosting Missouri on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. CT and Kentucky on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. CT.
Arkansas is 3-1 against both the Tigers and Wildcats during head coach Colby Hale’s tenure dating back to 2012.
The Tigers are currently 10-4-1 and are riding a three-game unbeaten streak. They are paced by freshman Sarah Luebbert and her nine goals, three assists, 21 points and 24 shots on goal. Luebbert was awarded SEC Freshman of the Week honors for Week 9.
The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+ via the WatchESPN app.
Kentucky is 4-7-4 on the season and are still seeking its first conference win. Junior Tanya Samarzich leads the Wildcats with her seven goals, five assists and 19 points.
Marketing Promotions and Events: Missouri vs. Arkansas – Battle Line Rivalry presented by Shelter Insurance, Oct. 20
International Student Night No. 2: The first 200 international students will receive a 2016 Razorback Soccer Scarf and free pizza.
Marketing Promotions and Events: Kentucky vs. Arkansas, Oct. 23
Senior Day: Join us as we honor our 2016 senior class with a special pregame ceremony.
Kids Day Sunday: The first 100 children in attendance will receive a Razorback Soccer Kids’ Scarf, one free ice cream sandwich and Razorback sunglasses.
Comets FC Day: Razorback Soccer welcomes Arkansas Comets FC youth players and families to the match.
Junior Razorback Day: Members of the Junior Razorback Club and their families are welcomed to the match.
Home Support
After eight home games, Arkansas ranks 12th in the nation in total attendance (11,134) and 10th in average attendance (1,392), up two spots from the previous week. Within the conference, the Razorbacks are fourth in the SEC in total attendance and third in average attendance, one notch higher from Week 8.
Stats Watch
As of Wednesday, Arkansas is ranked in the top 25 in the following categories by the NCAA: Ninth in scoring offense, third in total goals, fifth in total points, 10th in points per game, 10th in total assists, 17th in assists per game and 14th in won-lost-tied percentage.
Individually, senior Claire Kelley leads the nation in assists per game and total assists. Senior Lindsey Mayo is 22nd in game-winning goals.
Game Tickets
With two home games left in the regular season, single-game tickets are $5 and free for children 17 and under. Gates open one hour prior to kickoff.
For more information about Razorback Soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
