Soccer goes on the road to Louisiana

RUSTON, La. – The University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team hopes to get back on the winning side of things on Friday night when it travels to Ruston, La., to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m.

Arkansas enters the match with a record of 3-2-0, but are looking to rebound from a tough loss at Western Michigan last Sunday afternoon. Louisiana Tech has struggled mightily all season as it enters the contest without a win in the regular season and is looking for its first home win.

“Despite Louisiana Tech’s record, they gave us a tough time last year and we are certainly going to have to be prepared this year,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “They are a well coached side and proved last year that they can play against us by taking us to overtime at our place. This should be a good match and I look forward to the competition.”

Last season, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech played at Lady’Back Field in mid September and the Bulldogs took Arkansas to overtime before the Lady’Backs put in an overtime goal for the victory. Arkansas held a lead throughout most of the contest but in the final moments a Louisiana Tech free kick found the back of the Arkansas net to tie the contest. The 2006 meeting was the first ever between the two schools.

The Arkansas-Louisiana Tech contest also marks the 2007 debut of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer on KXUA, 88.3 FM in Fayetteville. The game is the first of four games that are featured on the University of Arkansas’ campus radio station with a simulcast of the event available on LADYBACKS.com.

The Lady Razorbacks have their work cut out for them this fall as they look to replace a key cog to the defense. Senior Sarah Gwisdala was injured during a mid-week practice and is out indefinitely leaving a gaping hole at outside defender. The Arkansas coaching staff is hoping that either freshmen Claire Hakim or Sam Bolton can fill the spot vacated by the three-year starter.

For more information about Lady Razorback soccer or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.