Razorbacks fall to Georgia in SEC opener on road Thursday

ATHENS, Ga. — Two second-half goals by Georgia proved to be too much for Arkansas to overcome Thursday night, as it fell, 3-1, in its SEC opener at the Turner Soccer Complex.

Junior Kayla McKeon scored for a team-leading fourth time this season after converting a penalty kick in the 84th minute, but that was not until after Georgia had scored twice in a span of four minutes, making it 3-0 Bulldogs.

The goal for McKeon was one of two shots she had in 57 minutes of play and 17th of her career. Sophomore Parker Goins led all Razorbacks with three shots in the match, all on goal, in 57 minutes also.

Arkansas had its best chance to equalize in the 70th minute after working the ball into its attacking third and getting a look in the middle of the box.

Sophomore Brooke Pirkle was able to get a shot off toward the right post, but Georgia keeper Emory Wegener made one of her five saves on the night to preserve the 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs went on to score their next two goals over the next eight minutes.

From Coach Colby Hale

“First, congrats to Georgia. They were very good tonight. We will watch film and find some areas where we can sort out. We have responded well to adversity every time that we have faced it. We will get back and prepare for a good Providence team that we’ll see on Sunday.” — Hale

How It Went Down

25th minute – With Arkansas controlling the pace for much of the first half, none of its chances were able to get past Wegener. Georgia was able to get on a counter attack midway through the half and get a shot off from 10 yards in front of Arkansas keeper Alexis Bach. Bach skied and made the save, but Georgia’s Reagan Glisson was there for the rebound and the finish to make it 1-0 Bulldogs.

75th minute – After Brooke Pirkle’s attempt did not find the back of the net for the Razorbacks, Georgia scored two more times in the span of four minutes starting with a goal by Abby Boyan, her third of the year. After a Bulldog corner kick pinballed around the box, Boyan picked up the loose ball and put it into the net to make it 2-0.

79th minute – Georgia scored its final goal of the match off another corner. Katie Higgins was on the receiving end as her half-volley rocketed past Taylor Beitz to extend the score to 3-0. It was Higgins first goal of the year.

84th minute – In the final 10 minutes, Arkansas was able to find the scoresheet after a Bulldog defender was called for a foul in the box, awarding the Razorbacks their second penalty kick of the season. McKeon took the shot for Arkansas and converted into the right side netting for her fourth score of the year. McKeon ups her point total to nine points with the goal, which also leads the team.

Up Next

Arkansas returns home for its final non-conference match on Sunday when it hosts Providence at 6 p.m. at Razorback Field. That match will be televised on SEC Network+.