Cannata’s two goals defeat LSU in double overtime

FAYETTEVILLE — Junior Tori Cannata provided a heroic performance Thursday night as her two goals secured a 2-1 victory for Arkansas over LSU in overtime at Razorback Field.

Cannata scored the game-winning goal in the 105th minute of the match, extending Arkansas’ unbeaten streak to five games.

The performance was Cannata’s second multi-goal game of the season, her first coming in the win over No. 2 Texas A&M. She now leads the team in goals (6) and points (13) and tonight’s overtime goal was her first game-winner of the season.

The Razorbacks had to weather a strong LSU offense that peppered goalkeeper Taylor Beitz with 15 shots, seven coming on goal. However, Beitz secured her fourth win of the season thanks to a career-high six saves.

The redshirt sophomore has come up big since conference play began, racking up a 0.83 goals against average over a four-match span and is responsible for both of Arkansas’ shutouts in league play.

With Thursday’s win over LSU, the Razorbacks remain unbeaten at home, improving to 7-0-1 at Razorback Field.

Overall, Arkansas is 9-2-2 and 4-1-0 in SEC play with 12 points, only three behind standings-leader Vanderbilt.

Sound Bytes

“It was kind of a weird game, but we found a way to win. Good teams find a way to win and I’m just really proud of them tonight.” —Colby Hale on the 2-1 victory over LSU

“She’s just a goal scorer. When you want a hungry goal scorer, it’s her. She wants to be in the box and score goals. That’s why we just left her in. We just said ‘Hey, Tori, we know you’re tired, but get us a goal somehow,’ and she got two tonight.” —Colby Hale on Tori Cannata’s play

“It was great. Scoring is great in general, but to win in overtime is a big deal. I’m just glad the ball came to my feet. I just kept my eye on the ball and got my body in the right position. Overall, this is a great win for us in conference play.” — Junior Tori Cannata on the team’s win over LSU and her two-goal performance

“The crowd gave us that extra energy tonight and help us give that last effort in the game.” — Sophomore Julia Laskaris on the crowd

How It Went Down

43rd minute – LSU scored the first goal of the match after being awarded a penalty kick off a hand ball in the box. Alex Thomas got a chance at a penalty kick and scored her second goal of the year.

49th minute – Four minutes into the second half, the Razorbacks scored the equalizer on an effort play two yards from the net. After Arkansas attempted their third corner of the game, the ball bounced around the box and was almost cleared by LSU. However, the ball, then, deflected back off Tori Cannata and into the net to tie the game.

94th minute – Arkansas got a chance early in the first overtime when the ball was sent up the field to Cannata after she got behind her opponent on a touch pass. The junior aimed a shot at the far post, but the LSU keeper was there to make one of her six saves in the match.

105th minute – With Arkansas seemingly knocking on the door all night, the 11th corner kick finally paid off as Cannata delivered the game-winning goal five minutes into the second overtime period. After Malham’s corner kick sailed toward the far post, Kayla McKeon redirected it to the middle of the box where Cannata one-timed it in to complete the brace.

Key Notes

• Thursday’s game against LSU was the fourth overtime game for the Razorbacks this year. Arkansas is now 1-2-1 in overtime matches this season.

• Redshirt sophomore Taylor Beitz made her third-consecutive start Thursday night and has only allowed one goal in the previous 284 minutes of play. Her 0.83 goals against average is sixth-best in the SEC.

• Junior Tori Cannata secured her second brace of the season after scoring both goals in the win over LSU. Four of her six goals this year have come in multi-goal games (vs. Texas A&M – Sept. 20).

• Cannata now takes over the team lead in goals (6) and points (13). Both are top-10 totals among all SEC players.

• The win over LSU was Arkansas’ third-straight in the all-time series and eighth overall dating back to 1996.

Up Next

The Razorbacks are back on the road to finish the weekend on Sunday as they travel to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the Ole Miss Rebels.

First kick is set for 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network+.