SMU W-Soccer Loses In Double-OT At Arkansas
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (SMU) – The SMU Mustangs played evenly with former Southwest Conference foe Arkansas, but the Razorbacks managed to defend their home turf with a 3-2 double-overtime win in Fayetteville Ark. on Sunday afternoon.
A yellow card given to SMU gave the Razorbacks an opportunity to set up shop in the offensive end, and Ashleigh Ellenwood (Arkansas’ leading scorer in 2012) nudged a goal past SMU goalkeeper Shannon Moroney for the win in the 102nd minute of play.
After a scoreless opening half, Shelby Redman gave SMU a 1-0 lead early in the second half in the 47th minute. Redman capitalized on a Razorbacks defensive breakdown to tally her third goal in the first two games of 2013.
Arkansas answered in the 61st minute with a strike from the left side of the box from Jeriann Okoro that beat Moroney. Less than 10 minutes later, the Razorbacks earned a deadly penalty kick that was converted by Taylor Green.
SMU needed a tying effort and it got one almost immediately. Rachael Larson was able to beat Arkansas’ goalie Cameron Carter off a free kick from Courtney Smith. The score would remain knotted a 2-2, even after Arkansas deflected its own shot away from an open net late in regulation.
Redman, who tied for the team lead in 2012 with nine goals, is off to
a hot start and Head Coach Chris Petrucelli has acknowledged her efforts.
“She’s been good,” Petrucelli said. “She’s certainly taking advantage of her opportunities around the goal.”
Smith assisted on both of SMU’s goals, giving her 19 for her career and tying her for 16th all-time at SMU. Larson’s goal was the third of her career. The loss comes two days after Petrucelli became just the 16th coach in Division I history to record 350 victories with a 6-1 home win over ULM.
SMU will host Colorado State on Friday at noon at Westcott Field. Tickets are available by calling 214-SMU-GAME or by visiting www.smumustangs.com/tickets.
