Arkansas attack was too much for the Tigers as they lose their third straight game.
Missouri hosted No. 7 Arkansas Thursday, losing its third straight game, falling 1-0 to its visitors. The loss puts Missouri at 5-4-2 on the year. The Tigers continue their struggles as they run the SEC gauntlet – losing three of their four in-conference matchups.
Arkansas gave Missouri a taste of its own medicine early. The Razorbacks applied pressure that has been a trademark of the Tiger attack by sending its forwards into the Missouri backfield. The Missouri defense broke in the 14th minute when senior forward Kiley Dulaney’s cross into the box hit off the hand of freshman back Mia Yang, leading to senior forward Ava Tankersley converting on the penalty kick to put the Razorbacks ahead 1-0.
Arkansas continued to dominate the Tigers defensive unit, relentlessly crashing the box and keeping the Missouri backline in a state of disarray. However, sophomore goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach managed to keep the deficit at one despite chippy play and constant shots on goal from the Razorbacks.
Hollenbach single-handedly kept the Tigers in the game, consistently working in a congested box and racking up six saves in the first half alone. As of now, the second-year goalkeeper is averaging 3.75 save-per-game in SEC play, second most in the conference only behind Ole Miss’s Shu Ohba
The Tigers failed to take advantage of the aggressive Arkansas approach, only putting together a few breakaways to open play. The lack of offense resulted in Missouri being outshot 9-1 in the first half.
The Tigers offense showed more fight in the second half, managing to put together several dangerous drives into Razorback territory. The rejuvenated Missouri attack managed to get three shots off in the first 20 minutes of the half, a stark difference from the one shot in the entirety of the first half.
The improved effort was too little too late for the Tigers, as they failed to find the back of the net and lost 1-0. It’s the third straight week that Missouri has lost by one goal.
The Tigers continue their tour of the SEC next Thursday when they travel to Ole Miss, kickoff against the rebels is at 6 p.m. CST.
Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com Edited by
Sophie Rentschler | srentschler@themaneater.com