Soccer looks to improve record at classic

FAYETTEVILLE – Fresh off an outstanding win against a team that participated at the 2005 NCAA Championships, the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team now eyes a potential record setting start this weekend when it hosts Louisiana Tech, Alabama A&M and Missouri State in the Lady Razorback Classic, Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Arkansas takes on Louisiana Tech at 7:00 p.m., Friday.

The Lady Razorbacks open the classic with a match against Louisiana Tech on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., a game that will be preceded by Alabama A&M and Missouri State at Lady’Back Field. Arkansas and the Bulldogs have never met on the soccer pitch, but the Lady Razorbacks know that a win would be a huge step in the right direction.

“This should be a very competitive weekend,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “Louisiana Tech is very well coached and will be a tough match for us. We are playing with a lot of confidence right now and I am eager to see how we play on Friday.”

Arkansas has been the aggressor in each of its early season matches, scoring the game’s first goal in all four games. Forcing its opponents to play from behind, the Lady’Backs have been able to pick off opponent runs and frustrate its opposition. After surrendering three goals its first match, Arkansas’ defense has allowed just two over the past three games and the confidence gained by the Lady Razorback back line is growing quickly.

As the Lady Razorback’s young team begins to make a name for itself, wily veterans like Christina Burger are providing the leadership needed to carry Arkansas to the next level. Arkansas’ leading scorer and a second-team all-conference selection in 2005, Burger was shut out in the Lady Razorback’s first two matches, but came back in week two to score twice and assist on another goal to once again lead Arkansas in scoring.

The Lady Razorback classic format will showcase Alabama A&M against Missouri State on Friday at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Arkansas Louisiana Tech match. Sunday’s schedule includes Missouri State against Louisiana Tech and Arkansas versus Alabama A&M at 1:30 p.m.

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