Hogs Buck Buckeyes, Anna Podojil Breaks Goal Record
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas soccer will make its second straight Sweet 16 appearance after defeating 6-seed Ohio State, 5-2, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Friday night at Razorback Field.
The victory sets up a third-round showdown with Memphis on Sunday, with first kick at Razorback Field scheduled for 5 p.m.
Senior forward Anna Podojil netted her 45th career goal in the win to become the program’s all-time goals leader.
“It’s super awesome and just being able to do it at home is extra special,” Podojil said. “I’ve had great fans with me the whole four years I’ve been here and I’m just super grateful I get another season here.”
First Half
The Buckeyes found the back of the net first and scored in the seventh minute. The Hogs answered with five straight goals, starting with senior midfielder Bea Franklin’s 15th-minute score via a header off a free kick from defender Emilee Hauser.
Podojil followed up with her record-breaking goal 10 minutes later, which also happened to be the game-winner. She only needed one touch after junior Ava Tankersley directed the ball into the 18-yard box.
Franklin added to Arkansas’ lead in the 41st minute with another header goal, this time off a corner kick taken by defender Shana Flynn. All six of her goals as a Razorback have been headed in.
“She’s (Franklin) a beast, you cannot stop her,” head coach Colby Hale said. “Some of it is athleticism and some of it is pure toughness and want to and timing. She is tremendous.”
The Hogs ended the half ahead in shots 17-4.
Second Half
Forward Jessica De Filippo continued her tear after she scored her fourth goal of the tournament and Arkansas’ fourth goal against Ohio State. Defender Bryana Hunter crossed the ball in from the far corner and into the 18-yard box, where Podojil flicked it to De Filippo just above the goal area for a right-footed shot across the ground.
De Filippo’s goal was the 10th of her senior campaign and she is the first Hog to record double-digit goals this season.
Forward Ava Tankersley rounded out the Razorbacks’ scoring contingent and netted her ninth goal of 2022 with eight minutes to play. Flynn’s cross from the far side was initially picked up by Ohio State goalkeeper Kat Robinson however, she dropped the ball as Tankersley was running in to finish off the cross. Tankersley took advantage of the empty net to put the Hogs up four goals.
The Buckeyes cut into the lead in the 85th minute with another goal from McNamara.
Arkansas finished the match outshooting Ohio State 27-13.
Highlights
- Arkansas remains unbeaten at Razorback Field in its last 22 matches.
- The Razorbacks will make their fourth Sweet 16 appearance all-time.
- Bea Franklin recorded her first career brace.
- The Hogs improved to 12-5-3 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
- The Razorbacks are outscoring NCAA Tournament opponents 11-2.
- Three Hogs notched a goal and an assist in the match: Anna Podojil, Jessica De Filippo and Ava Tankersley.
Up Next
Arkansas will face Memphis on Sunday in the Sweet 16. First kick from Razorback Field is set for 5 p.m. and it will be streamed live on ESPN Plus.
The Tigers defeated 7-seed Mississippi State 4-0 in the second round.
For more information on Arkansas Soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter.
