Soccer hosts exhibition match Friday

FAYETTEVILLE – Less than two weeks into their preseason, the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team is prepared to host an exhibition match against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles on Friday evening, August, 18, at 7:00 p.m. at Lady’Back Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas reported to camp just 10 days ago and has had a full week of two-a-day practices to contend with as they enter the preseason match, but the anticipation surrounding the match couldn’t be any higher from the Lady Razorbacks. Arkansas welcomed 10 freshmen to camp this fall and for the second-straight season have had their recruiting class among the nation’s best.

“Our team has shown a certain confidence that it hasn’t had in year’s past,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said. “They are entering this season with the mindset that they can compete with anyone and now it will be up to them to play with consistency. Their outlook is bright for the fall.”

As Arkansas prepares for its exhibition match, the Southeastern Conference released its annual preseason coaches poll and the Lady Razorbacks were slated to finish fifth in the conference’s western division. Overall, their 24 points from the 11 league coaches were ninth overall.

Oral Roberts enters Friday’s match looking to avenge a 3-0 drubbing from the Lady Razorbacks during 2005 regular season. Former Lady’Back Megan McCool was the difference maker in the contest with a goal and an assist early in the contest which put the Golden Eagles on their heels. Overall, Arkansas has dominated the series between the two schools with seven wins in nine matches. ORU enters the preseason match with an experienced squad that has 13 juniors and seniors on its 21-person roster.

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