Sydney Fuller makes 10 saves in scoreless draw at No. 5 Arkansas
That was… dicey.
On Thursday night — with a plethora of close calls, a few lucky breaks and some expert goalkeeping by freshman Sydney Fuller — the Aggies pulled out an important result.
Texas A&M (8-7-2, 3-4-2) tied with No. 5 Arkansas (12-1-2, 7-1-1) in Fayetteville, 0-0. This would mark the Razorbacks' first time being shutout at home since 2022 against LSU.
It is also the first tie between the Ags and Hogs, breaking Arkansas’ six-match win streak in the series.
The Aggies entered the pitch without head coach G Guerrieri due to a red card issued last week against LSU. Instead, they were led by acting head coach Phil Stephenson.
With a mere two shots on goal throughout the evening, A&M put forth their weakest offensive showing of the season. On the other hand, their defense glistened.
A strong Aggie defensive line abated attacks as Fuller claimed 10 saves across the night.
Comparatively, the Razorbacks illustrated a steady offense, as three main drives split across the match.
Stopping this momentum proved crucial.
In the 32nd minute, a yellow card against Arkansas’ Kate Doyle broke the second drive of the night. Her collision with Fuller proved un-impactful to the match, though stalling play to check for injury.
The first half saw 12 shots and eight shots on goal by the Hogs. Of these, four were taken by Anaiyah Robinson, three by Ava Tankersley and two by Kelsey Oyler and Bella Field.
Entering the second half with two shots and no shots on goal, the Aggie offense stepped up.
At least slightly.
The Ags achieved their first on-target attempt in the 52nd minute with a shot from Adysen Armenta. This gave goalkeeper Keegan Smith her first save of the match.
Meanwhile, the A&M defense also intensified, only allowing four shots on goal and creating difficulty as the Razorbacks attempted to enter the box.
A critical call in the 76th minute ultimately decided the game.
As fireworks rang through the sky, umpires discarded the assumed goal by Robinson and issued a foul. A video review confirmed the call, much to Arkansas’ dismay and confusion.
The remainder of the match followed more even footing and an Aggie style of play.
A shot by Field was immediately picked up by the Ags, resulting in a Jazmine Wilkinson shot in the 77th.
Arkansas’ Smith received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 81st as emotions heightened, making way for more frustration.
Seemingly off-kilter, the Razorbacks couldn’t regain focus, and the match closed at a stalemate.
A daunting 20 shots, 12 shots on goal and two saves by the Hogs were contradicted by the Aggies' eight shots, two shots on goal and 10 saves.
With the tie, the Aggies increase their RPI by at least one spot. Against a top-five team, the result is more than welcomed as the post-season approaches.
Their final chance at bolstering their regular-season resume comes to Ellis Field on Sunday as the Maroon & White host No. 3 Mississippi State (14-1, 8-0).
This final conference match will also mark Senior Night for the Ags.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT.