Sibley scores twice in Hogs’ exhibition win

FAYETTEVILLE — Redshirt junior Reid Sibley scored two first half goals Thursday night to help lead the 17th-ranked Razorback soccer team to a 3-0 exhibition win over Omaha at Razorback Field.

Sibley appeared in 23 games with one start last season and is one of 14 letterwinners returning from last year’s 18-win team. Her first goal broke a defensive stalemate in the 24th minute after receiving a nice ball in the run of play from Stefani Doyle before finishing with the right foot from 15 yards out.

10 minutes later, Sibley doubled the lead, this time on a header from the right side of the box. It was one of three shots on goal in the first half for the Razorbacks and seven shots overall.

Arkansas controlled much of the pace throughout the night, holding Omaha to just three shots, with none making it one target. Omaha had a couple of chances on set pieces midway through the second half, but each time, Arkansas was there to turn them away.

As a team, Arkansas led the shot category, 19-3, and corner kicks, 6-0.

In the second half, freshman Parker Goins added to Arkansas’ lead with her lone goal of the match in the 54thminute. The Razorbacks were able to force the Omaha turnover near the middle of the field and got the ball to Goins down the right side. Goins was able to beat the last defender before placing one past the keeper for the score.

After regulation, both teams participated in a practice penalty kick shootout. Both the Mavericks and the Razorbacks alternated for 10 kicks each with both teams scoring five times.

Now Arkansas gets to focus on its 2017 season opener which is set for Friday, Aug. 18 at SMU. First kick is slated for 7 p.m.

The Razorbacks will be on the road for their first two matches of the year before returning home for its first official match of the year at Razorback Field against perennial Big 10 power, Penn State on Aug. 25.