No. 9 Soccer Wins SEC Opener at Florida, 3-2
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 9 Arkansas soccer’s (3-2-2, 1-0-0 SEC) SEC opener at Florida (4-4-0, 0-1-0 SEC) was a tale of two halves, but the Hogs came out on top, 3-2.
For the second straight match, the Razorbacks took a multi-goal lead into halftime but gave up multiple goals in the second half. Last week at Creighton, they were up 2-0 and conceded three straight in a span of 8 minutes. Tonight against the Gators, Arkansas led 3-0 at the start of the second half, but Florida’s two penalty kick goals weren’t enough.
On the offensive side of things, the Hogs were led by freshmen Nuria Craig, who scored the opener, and Vailana Tu’ua, who notched a brace in a matter of 55 seconds in the 34th and 35th minutes.
Craig’s and Tu’ua’s first were their first collegiate goals. They became the 11th and 12th scorers for Arkansas this season, respectively. Junior midfielder Kennedy Ball in both goals.
The Gators controlled much of the second half, with five shots, six corner kicks and multiple counterattacks. Arkansas didn’t take its first shot in the second 45 until the 82nd minute.
Florida’s first goal, a penalty taken by Kai Tsakiris, was awarded after sophomore Aniyah Nurse-White fouled Tsakiris at the top of the 18-yard box. The second penalty, this time from Madison Jones, was allowed after senior Makenzie Malham committed a handball foul in the box just over 20 minutes later.
Florida continued to pressure Arkansas’ defense in the final 20 minutes of the match, but two key saves from sophomore goalkeeper Keegan Smith kept the Hogs in front.
The Razorbacks finished ahead in shots, 12-10, but behind in corners, 6-1. Smith totaled four saves.
Arkansas has won five straight matches against the Gators and six of the last eight.
Up Next
Arkansas will host No. 13 Vanderbilt (6-1-0) next Thursday, September 19, at Razorback Field. The Commodores will host LSU tomorrow night to open conference play.
For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on social media.
