FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Auburn soccer fell to an early Arkansas goal Sunday, 1-0 at Razorback Field. The loss brought Auburn to 6-2-3 overall and 2-2-0 in Southeastern Conference play. Arkansas improved to 4-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 against conference opponents.
Arkansas scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute. Freshman forward Lauren Van Rhein took advantage of a deflection inside the box and sent the ball into the lower-right corner of the net to put the Razorbacks ahead.
Auburn nearly responded 10 minutes later. Dylan Driver created one of the Tigers’ strongest chances of the first half with a shot from the right side of the box, but Arkansas goalkeeper Keegan Smith made the save to keep Auburn off the board.
The Tigers entered the second half still trailing by one and continued to look for an equalizer. Arkansas’ defense, however, held the Tigers scoreless.
Auburn had one last chance in the final seconds of the match, but a shot from outside the box sailed over the crossbar, ending the Tigers’ final scoring opportunity.
Arkansas led 11-8 in shots, while both teams finished with four shots on goal. Auburn goalkeeper Ayana Yapo recorded four saves, tying her season high. Smith also finished with four saves and secured her first solo shutout of the season.
The result gave Auburn its second SEC loss, meanwhile, Arkansas improved to 2-1-1 in league play.
Even with the loss, Auburn’s defense has remained one of the strongest parts of its season. The Tigers have surrendered only three goals through 11 matches, the fewest allowed through that point in a season in program history.
Auburn will return to the Auburn Soccer Complex on Thursday, Oct. 1, for a matchup against No. 9 Tennessee. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
