Soccer to host George Mason

FAYETTEVILLE – After a week off from competition, the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team is ready to take the field once more when they host the George Mason Patriots at Lady’Back Field in Fayetteville, Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.

Both the Lady Razorbacks and Patriots enter the contest with even 2-2-0 records with Arkansas coming off a strong 3-0 win over Oral Roberts University last Sunday afternoon. George Mason also enters the game on a winning streak after dropping their first two games, they rebounded to take a pair including a 6-1 win over St. Joseph’s last Tuesday evening.

“I am disappointed that we were not able to play on Friday, but it was a day that our team needed,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “We have several players that have minor aches and pains and so the extra time should be beneficial to them. George Mason is a very good opponent and if we can come after them with the same intensity that we have shown the past two games then I think that we have a very good chance on Sunday.”

The Lady Razorbacks and Patriots have met twice over the years and split the matchups. George Mason won the first game, 4-0, in 2001 on a neutral pitch. The Lady Razorbacks returned the favor with a 3-0 win at Fairfax, Va., in 2003 in a game that was much closer than the final score. Arkansas’ victory was in large part to former Lady’Back Julie Williford who scored twice in the contest, but a solid defensive effort by Arkansas’ current junior and senior class made a huge difference.

For Arkansas to be successful against George Mason it must continue to score timely goals. In Arkansas’ two wins they have tallied eight scores, but in the two losses have yet to put a point on the board. Leading the way in 2005 are senior midfielder Megan McCool and sophomore forward Alison Harter who each have two goals and an assist to their credit. Sophomore transfer Tara Sagaser made the most of her one appearance this season and scored two times against Oral Roberts and could be the spark that the Lady’Backs need in 2005.

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