Coming off its only draw of the season against LSU on Friday, Oct.18, Texas A&M soccer traveled to Razorback Field to take on No.5 Arkansas, who gave A&M their second consecutive draw. Incredible defense from both sides ultimately led to the scoreless match.
Early in the 12th minute, the Razorbacks attempted to strike first as senior forward Sophia Aragón put moves on her defender, then gave a pass to sophomore F Bella Field for an open shot inside the box. It was unsuccessful as it soared over the goal.
The Aggies attempted a couple shots of their own but all misfired as the Razorbacks’ defense applied pressure.
Arkansas constantly tested A&M’s defense as they racked up 12 total shots including eight on goal in the first half. However, freshman goalkeeper Sydney Fuller was a brick wall as she let no shots in to keep the score even at zero going into halftime.
In the beginning of the second half, Fuller continued to make her presence known after the Razorbacks’ freshman F Anaiyah Robinson took a shot to the low center of the goal, and as a result Fuller recorded her career-high ninth save of the match.
Both teams continued going back and forth without any change in the momentum. In the 51st minute, sophomore defender Adysen Armenta attempted a shot to the high-center of the goal, but was saved by Arkansas’ freshman GK Keegan Smith.
In the 72nd minute, the Razorbacks took a left side corner that led to a header goal by Field. However, the goal was later reversed because Field fouled Fuller within the six-yard box.
In the match, Fuller recorded a career high in saves with 10 to keep the Razorbacks scoreless.
“I’m just so thankful I have a team that is so supportive. It was a fun game to play and a good result for us right now.” Fuller said. “We know what we had to do and it was so consistent, if I missed a ball they had my cover and if they missed a ball I had their cover and that’s how we work as a backline and it’s awesome”
Desperately trying to put a point on the board in the 87th minute, senior midfielder Mia Pante had an open attempt on the goal but the shot missed to the right.
As time ran down, both teams weren’t able to gain enough momentum for another chance at scoring as the match ended.
“It was a gritty 90-minute performance. We challenged them at halftime to play soccer a little bit more.” coach Phil Stephenson said. “I thought we got a little bit more soccer in the second half. It was just tough, unbelievably tough. We know we can play with anybody, we know we can beat great teams, this was just an affirmation of that for the players”
Next, A&M will be back in action to take on No.3 Mississippi State at Ellis Field at 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 27.
