No. 11 Arkansas Downs Alabama, 3-1; Inches Closer to SEC Title
FAYETTEVILLE – No. 11 Arkansas (8-3-3, 6-1-1 SEC) took sole possession of first place in the SEC standings after a 3-1 win over Alabama (10-5-1, 4-4-0 SEC) on Thursday night at Razorback Field.
The Hogs hold a two-point lead over Tennessee with two games remaining.
How it Happened
Arkansas scored first after the Tide committed a handball in the box 10 minutes into the match. Junior Bella Field converted from the spot for her fourth goal of the season.
Alabama equalized in the 33rd minute after Gianna Paul and Maddie Padelski connected inside the 18-yard box. Padelski fired across the ground toward the far post for her fourth goal of the season.
Freshman Vailana Tu’ua scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season to pull the Hogs ahead in the 63rd minute.
A late goal by midfielder Kennedy Ball, her second of the season, provided Arkansas with much-needed separation to put away the match.
Razorback goalkeeper Evelyn Vitali made six saves and improved to 5-1-2 in goal this season.
Game Notes
- The Razorbacks picked up the win without head coach Colby Hale, who was serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Georgia. Associate head coach Sammy Scofield served as the acting head coach.
- Arkansas extended its SEC home match unbeaten streak to 26 matches (23-0-2), which dates back to 2020.
- The Razorbacks are unbeaten in 50 of their last 53 matches at Razorback Field, dating back to 2021. The Hogs have gone 45-3-5 at Razorback Field since beating No. 25 BYU on Aug. 30, 2021.
- Sabrina Jones assisted in Ball’s goal, her second assist of the season.
Up Next
Arkansas will travel to Missouri on Sunday for the penultimate SEC match. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and the match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on social media.
