Who would have expected that this weekend's matchup with Arkansas would be such a key game for the A&M squad? The Aggies face off against the top team in the West in Arkansas at 7:30PM on Friday. This game will be in the friendly confines of Ellis Field and will be streamed live on SEC+.
The #8 ranked Arkansas team has begun the season 11-2-1 with a 5-1 mark in conference play. Their two losses came against Oklahoma (0-1 2OT) and South Carolina (0-1). Notable wins include UNC (2-0) and Baylor (2-0). Aside from the slip-up against South Carolina, Arkansas has absolutely rolled through conference play with these results: 1-0 Alabama, 1-0 Vanderbilt, 3-0 Ole Miss, 4-0 LSU, 6-1 Miss St.
Their statistics are astounding. Arkansas has compile 10 shutouts through 14 games and have outscored opponents by a total of 42-4. If you do the math there, the Razorbacks have yet to allow multiple goals in a single game. The Razorbacks have been shutout twice this season.
As effective as this defense has been, this potent offense has been just as impressive with an average of 3 goals per game. Fantastic freshman forward Anna Podoji (#16) leads the team with 10 goals and has 6 assists. Junior Parker Goins (#22) has stuffed the stat sheet with with 7 goals and a team high 9 assists. Senior Stefani Doyle (#17) has 7 goals as well along with 4 assists. Arkansas has multiple weapons.
This dominant defense is anchored by All-SEC player Haley Van Fossen (#99). The Junior is also on the 2019 Hermann Watch List. Katie Lund has seen all significant minutes in goal for Arkansas. She's registered 40 saves in 1233 minutes of play. She is responsible for all 4 goals and has a goal against average of .29.
Arkansas is not only off to their best start of a season, the Razorbacks are also in the midst of their most successful run in program history. The Razorbacks have 5 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and every appearance has come within the last 6 years. Last season, the Razorbacks advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. I have no doubt that they will at least match that performance this season.
A&M is 8-2 all-time against Arkansas. And as I remind you each year: The Hogs claim they are 5-9-1 against the Aggies as they count 3 victories against a non-scholarship Aggie club team (prior to 1993), including a 1986 forfeiture. Last year's 3-2 win was Arkansas' first victory against A&M since the Aggies' first scholarship squad took the hogs to overtime (and lost 1-2) in 1993.
Arkansas has made a name for themselves in college soccer and have established themselves as the favorites to win the SEC West this season. That match against South Carolina may have very well determined the SEC Regular Season Champions. A&M has a new force alongside them in the west and the Aggies won't be the favorites coming into Friday's match.
The #8 ranked Arkansas team has begun the season 11-2-1 with a 5-1 mark in conference play. Their two losses came against Oklahoma (0-1 2OT) and South Carolina (0-1). Notable wins include UNC (2-0) and Baylor (2-0). Aside from the slip-up against South Carolina, Arkansas has absolutely rolled through conference play with these results: 1-0 Alabama, 1-0 Vanderbilt, 3-0 Ole Miss, 4-0 LSU, 6-1 Miss St.
Their statistics are astounding. Arkansas has compile 10 shutouts through 14 games and have outscored opponents by a total of 42-4. If you do the math there, the Razorbacks have yet to allow multiple goals in a single game. The Razorbacks have been shutout twice this season.
As effective as this defense has been, this potent offense has been just as impressive with an average of 3 goals per game. Fantastic freshman forward Anna Podoji (#16) leads the team with 10 goals and has 6 assists. Junior Parker Goins (#22) has stuffed the stat sheet with with 7 goals and a team high 9 assists. Senior Stefani Doyle (#17) has 7 goals as well along with 4 assists. Arkansas has multiple weapons.
This dominant defense is anchored by All-SEC player Haley Van Fossen (#99). The Junior is also on the 2019 Hermann Watch List. Katie Lund has seen all significant minutes in goal for Arkansas. She's registered 40 saves in 1233 minutes of play. She is responsible for all 4 goals and has a goal against average of .29.
Arkansas is not only off to their best start of a season, the Razorbacks are also in the midst of their most successful run in program history. The Razorbacks have 5 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and every appearance has come within the last 6 years. Last season, the Razorbacks advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. I have no doubt that they will at least match that performance this season.
A&M is 8-2 all-time against Arkansas. And as I remind you each year: The Hogs claim they are 5-9-1 against the Aggies as they count 3 victories against a non-scholarship Aggie club team (prior to 1993), including a 1986 forfeiture. Last year's 3-2 win was Arkansas' first victory against A&M since the Aggies' first scholarship squad took the hogs to overtime (and lost 1-2) in 1993.
Arkansas has made a name for themselves in college soccer and have established themselves as the favorites to win the SEC West this season. That match against South Carolina may have very well determined the SEC Regular Season Champions. A&M has a new force alongside them in the west and the Aggies won't be the favorites coming into Friday's match.
