Razorbacks look for turnaround against Auburn
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas soccer team (9-4-0, 2-3-0) will look to salvage its SEC home-opening weekend when it faces Auburn (6-6-2, 2-2-1) Sunday at 1 p.m. at Razorback Field. Arkansas is coming off a loss to Alabama, 3-1, in its last outing, while Auburn lost a 2-1 decision at LSU in overtime.
After winning their first two conference games of the season, the Razorbacks have dropped three straight in league play, including Friday’s 3-1 loss to Alabama. Senior Lindsay Patterson gave Arkansas the early lead with her sixth goal of the season, but three second-half goals by the Crimson Tide sealed the win for the visiting team.
Auburn leads the all-time series with Arkansas, 8-5-2, with the help of a seven-game unbeaten streak against the Razorbacks since 2001. Arkansas’ last win over the Tigers came during the 2000 season, a 3-2 victory in Fayetteville. The two teams battled to a scoreless tie in 2006 on Arkansas’ home field. Before Auburn’s current run, Arkansas controlled the series, 5-2-1.
With her goal Friday, Patterson claimed the team lead with six scores and 13 points, just ahead of teammate Kelly O’Connor who has five goals and 12 points. Sophomore Britni Williams carries a 0.86 goals against average through 13 games played this season.
Auburn is led by junior forward Rebecca Howell and her 17 points (4 goals, 9 assists). The Tigers are balanced by four players—Howell, Katy Frierson (13), Kara Kasten (11) and Gabi Rivera (10)—with at least 10 points scored this season. Senior goalkeeper Allison Whitworth, a 2007 second-team All-SEC selection, has a 1.27 goals against average and five shutouts.
The first fans through the gates at Razorback Field will receive an Arkansas soccer car decal while supplies last. Sunday’s game is also Girl Scouts Razorback Spirit Day for troops in the Northwest Arkansas area. The crowd can also enjoy giveaways and prizes during pre-game and halftime.
Visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com for more details and continued coverage of UA soccer.
