Lady'Backs face #21 Georgia at Lady'Back Field

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team has a tough weekend of Southeastern Conference play ahead of it which begins on Friday evening when it hosts #21 Georgia at Lady’Back Field beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Arkansas enters the weekend with a solid record of 8-3-0 overall and split its opening weekend of SEC play against Mississippi and Mississippi State. Georgia is rolling with a 9-1-0 record and is coming off a weekend sweep of top 15 teams Florida and South Carolina bumping them from unranked to 21st in the nation.

“This is going to be a tough weekend,” Arkansas assistant coach Steve Oliver said. “It is always important to get points at home despite the opponent. We picked up a great win against Georgia last year at their place and now we need to defend our home field.”

The Lady Razorbacks went to Athens, Ga., last fall and picked up a 2-1 victory against the Bulldogs, their first at Georgia’s home field in three tries. Then sophomore Lindsay Patterson was the catalyst to the Arkansas attack scoring both Lady Razorback goals including the game winner with six minutes to play. The Arkansas-Georgia matchup was an even battle played mainly in the midfield with just a few scoring opportunities presenting itself for either side.

In order for Arkansas to be successful in 2007 it will need every bit of the defense prowess it has shown throughout the season. In 11 matches Arkansas has surrendered only five goals thanks in large part to a solid back four and the play of freshman goalkeeper Britni Williams. Together they have led the Lady Razorbacks to a school record eight shutouts this fall and kept opponents off the scoreboard at a record pace.

Georgia’s strength also lies in its defense as it has allowed just six goals in 10 games this fall. Georgia goalkeeper Michelle Betos is also one of the SEC’s best goalkeepers, but has only recorded three shutouts this fall. Offensively, the Bulldogs have a three-pronged attack with Carrie Patterson, Caroline Simpson and Marah Falle who each have five goals on the year.

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