Razorbacks Host Alabama in SEC Home Opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas soccer team will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in its SEC home opener Friday at Razorback Field. The Razorbacks (9-3, 2-2) have dropped their last two contests, a pair of road matches at Georgia and Tennessee. The Arkansas-Alabama game, set for a 7 p.m. CT start, will be televised by FSN Southwest.Arkansas trails Alabama, 5-9-1, in the all-time series, but has won three of the past four games played in Fayetteville. Last season, the Razorbacks lost to Alabama, 2-0, in Tuscaloosa. In the last game between the two teams in Fayetteville, Arkansas came away with a 5-0 win during the 2006 season. While the Crimson Tide controlled the early part of the all-time series, 5-0-1, Arkansas has taken a 5-4 advantage over the past nine meetings.Despite scoring just one goal last weekend, the Razorbacks are fourth in the SEC with goals (25) and points (74). Arkansas is second in the league with eight goals allowed during the season. The team’s eight shutouts are the most among SEC teams. Forwards Kelly O’Connor and Lindsay Patterson are tied for third among a group of players in the conference with five goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Britni Williams is second in the conference with a 0.677 goals against average.For just the second season in program history, Arkansas has earned a ranking in the SoccerBuzz central regional poll. After enter the poll last week at No. 13, the Razorbacks are the 14th-ranked team in the region this week. Arkansas’ previous regional ranking came in October 2006. The Crimson Tide, likewise, is the No. 14 team in the Southeast region. Through four conference games, Arkansas and Alabama are tied with LSU for third place in the Western Division with six points.Alabama (7-4-1, 2-2-0) is coming off a 2-1 loss to Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide is led offensively by senior midfielder Kailey Corken who has five goals and 11 points on the season. Goalkeeper Kara Gundmens has five shutouts on the season and carries a 0.93 goals against average, good for fourth in the SEC. Alabama returns eight starters and two SEC All-Freshman performers, Justine Bernier and Victoria Frederick, the team’s second-leading scorer.Fans in attendance can also enjoy various promotions including giveaways by Chick-Fil-A and Grandpa’s Oven. The first fans entering the gate will receive an Arkansas Soccer Rally Towel as supplies last. For more details and continued coverage of UA soccer, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.