Soccer Held Scoreless By No. 7 North Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE – The Razorbacks (0-2-1) were shut out for the first time this season after a 2-0 loss to No. 7 North Carolina (3-0-0) on Thursday night at Razorback Field.

Both teams battled for possession in the opening 15 minutes and the Tar Heels forced two early saves, one by junior goalkeeper Keegan Smith and the other a team save.

Momentum stayed in North Carolina’s corner when the visitors challenged a no-call on a play in the 18-yard box involving sophomore forward Natalie Wagner. The Tar Heels were awarded a penalty kick and converted via midfielder Summer Denigan with a low strike to the right for the second penalty given up by the Hogs this season.

UNC doubled its lead two minutes later on a corner kick follow-up sent in by forward Lilliah Blum.

Arkansas didn’t record its first shot until the 27th minute, a solid strike from sophomore forward Vailana Tu’ua that curled wide right.

At the half, the Hogs trailed in shots, 10-2, and corner kicks 4-3. Smith made three saves.

Arkansas found the back of the net in the 61st minute on a corner kick headed in by senior forward Bella Field, but the goal was waved off after defender Makenzie Malham committed a foul on Tar Heel goalkeeper Peyton Trayer.

In total, the Hogs forced two saves on Trayer. North Carolina ahead in shots, 19-5, and corners 9-4.

Up Next

The Razorbacks will host No. 23 Clemson on Thursday, August 27 at Razorback Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the match will be streamed on SECN+.

For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on social media.