Just when it looked like the No. 9 Arkansas soccer team might fall victim to LSU in Baton Rouge Thursday night, graduate midfielder Bea Franklin slid in a shot just past the Tiger goalkeeper, with only seven minutes remaining, to secure a 1-1 tie.
Arkansas (10-3-2, 6-1-1 SEC) perfectly executed the dangerous free kick from outside the penalty box. Senior Ava Tankersley took the kick from freshman Avery Wren inside the 18-yard box, then booted a cross shot along the ground to a sliding Franklin, who scored her sixth goal of the season.
With 19 points, the Razorbacks still reside atop the SEC standings, just ahead of No. 17 South Carolina (4-0-4, 10-1-5 SEC).
After a scoreless first half, the Tigers (8-6-1, 3-4-1 SEC) opened the scoring on a header by forward Ava Galligan in the 76th minute.
Although Arkansas dominated possession in the first half, the Hogs didn’t didn’t get a shot off until forward Anna Podojil’s attempt in the 30th minute. But it was met with the first of LSU goalkeeper Mollee Swift’s three saves in the game.
Freshman Phoebe Carver got the start in goal for the Razorbacks, tallying two saves, before being subbed out for junior Sierra Cota-Yarde, who gave up the goal, but recorded three saves.
The Hogs outshot the Tigers 18-13 and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. Both teams combined for 41 fouls and seven yellow cards.
If the Razorbacks can defeat Ole Miss (6-5-3, 2-3-2 SEC) at home on Sunday, they will clinch at least a share of the SEC regular-season title.
The game against the Rebels kicks off at 2 p.m. and will be streamed on SEC Network Plus. Sunday’s match will also be the annual Pups at the Pitch event, allowing fans an opportunity to bring their dog to the match.
JUST how we drew it up pic.twitter.com/vIwaoY2lX6
— Razorback Soccer (@RazorbackSoccer) October 20, 2023
