FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks (4-1-0) shut out previously unbeaten Michigan State (4-1-1), 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored in the 77th minuteth minute from midfielder Bea Franklin.
How did it happen?
The first half saw a back and forth between the two teams. Neither team found the back of the net, however, as the Hogs pressured Michigan State goalie Lauren Kozal and fired four shots in the frame. Arkansas went into halftime outscoring the Spartans, 10-5.
Arkansas goalkeeper Grace Barbara played a big role in preventing the Spartans from taking the lead into the break. She arrived with great anticipation at 41str minute after Michigan State’s Jordyn Wickes deflected Greer Maguire’s rebound attempt at midfield. Spartan forward MJ Andrus caught the deflection at the top of the 18-yard box and passed it back to Wickes, then Wickes shot as Barbara got down to save the effort.
In the second half there was a battle between the backs and the match became more physical. Each team was given two yellow cards in the half and committed 12 combined fouls.
The Hogs had seven shots on goal before tying the game at 77th minute.
Michigan State midfielder Celia Gaynor fouled forward Jessica De Filippo on the far side, leading to an SEC logo penalty kick for junior Ava Tankersley. Tankersley’s ball found the head of senior midfielder Bea Franklin and ended up in the back of the net. The goal is Franklin’s second headed goal and the fourth of her career.
“We just knew they had a strong goalie, so somebody had to get in front of the goalie on every free kick or corner we had,” Franklin said. “That was my mission on that shot, and I was just able to get my head around it.”
Tankersley was credited with the assist, her fifth of the season. She has an assist in four of the Hogs’ five games.
“We just told Tank [Tankersley] to direct them, because if you get a touch and redirect, it’s a goal. She played a great ball and Bea just got a contact on her,” coach Colby Hale said.
Arkansas finished the game outscoring the Spartans, 19-12. Forwards Anna Podojil and Taylor Berman led the team with three apiece.
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The Hogs will head out west for a weekend road trip and face the no. 6 BYU on Sept. 8 and Grand Canyon on Sept. 11. Arkansas will return to Razorback Field to open SEC play on Sept. 16 against Mississippi State.
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