Soccer puts past behind looks to Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team left their Friday night match with a bitter taste in their mouths, but have regrouped and are ready for their next challenge, a Sunday afternoon contest with Vanderbilt Univ. in Nashville, Tenn.

After Friday night’s setback the Lady Razorbacks are looking to Sunday afternoon to get themselves back into the Southeastern Conference Championship Tournament picture. Vanderbilt and Arkansas are tied just outside the tournament structure and a Lady Razorback victory would put them right back into the esteemed company.

“There is no doubt that this is a crucial match for us,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “Both teams need this win to have a chance at the postseason and from everything that I have seen and heard about Vanderbilt this should be a very even match.”

The Lady Razorbacks knew coming into the weekend that scoring would have to become their number one priority if they were to break their current winless streak. Sophomore Kathleen Paulsen was able to put one goal on the board for Arkansas in their road loss on Friday, but it will likely take more than that for Arkansas to defeat Vanderbilt. The Commodores have scored at least one goal in seven of their last eight matches which include six SEC contests.

Over the past five years, Arkansas has had success against the Commodores, winning three of the last five meetings. Vanderbilt has taken the last two meetings however including a 2-1 overtime victory in Fayetteville a year ago. In that contest, Arkansas scored midway through the first half then gave up the game-tying score midway through the second. The Commodores scored the game winner 57 seconds into the second overtime to spoil Arkansas’ home SEC opener.

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