Soccer Tops Oral Roberts in Exhibition Play

TULSA, Okla. – An early second-half goal with a strong defensive performance throughout boosted Arkansas soccer to a 1-0 victory over Oral Roberts on Thursday night in the team’s first exhibition game.

In the 52nd minute of play, Alexandra Fischer received a cross from Dee Dee Green from the left side of the field and deposited it past the Golden Eagles keeper for a 1-0 advantage. Claire Kelley notched a secondary assist on Fischer’s marker.

With six minutes to go in the match, the Razorbacks threatened again, but a shot by Hannah Neece clanged off the post. Still, the visitors hung on for the win to open up their season with a combined clean sheet from Cameron Carter and Jordan Harris.

“It was an exhibition and we accomplished what we wanted,” head coach Colby Hale said after the match. “Obviously there is lots to work on but we saw some real bright spots as well. We got everyone a run, so overall it helps.”

All in all, the Razorbacks peppered ORU keeper Maddie Rhodes with 10 shots, but she made nine saves. On the flip side, the Arkansas keepers combined to face only one shot on goal, and Carter made the save in the 28th minute. The Razorbacks’ 6-2 edge in corner kicks and 14-3 advantage in shots attempted painted a picture of attacking success on the offense end with stability on the back line.

Coming off the win, Arkansas continues its preseason with a friendly in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday against SEC rival Missouri. The neutral-site match between the Razorbacks and Tigers begins at 7 p.m.

For more information on Razorback Soccer during the preseason follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter.