Tag Archives: UALR Trojans

Arkansas Razorbacks Shut Out Missouri State Bears

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The Razorbacks report provides a pretty good analysis. I show all the shots on goal (3) that MSU got in the video, opening with the best opportunity which came in the 65th minute. The goal came from a corner kick, that was pushed out deep to defender Fawley and it seemingly pulled all of the MSU defenders out and away from the goal scorer who is left unmarked.

Freshman Nikki Crocco’s header from eight yards out found the back of the net at the 71: 43 mark to lift Arkansas to a 1-0 victory over Missouri State in the 2008 season opener. The Razorbacks limited Missouri State to four shots, while firing off 13 shots of their own in front of 621 fans at the Plaster Sports Complex in Springfield, Mo.

Off a corner kick, senior Megan Fawley put a ball on goal that glanced off Crocco’s head and into the left side of the net. The goal is Crocco’s first of the season, and first of her Razorback career. This is the fourth consecutive year a freshman has scored Arkansas’ first goal of the season.

The two teams were in a scoreless tie heading into halftime. Arkansas played the aggressor in first half and tallied six shots, three of which were on goal. Britni Williams made no saves as the Razorbacks held Missouri State without a shot during the first 45 minutes of play.

The win is Arkansas’ first on the road against Missouri State since 1987, a 7-1 victory in Springfield. The Razorbacks also avenge a loss at Missouri State in the 2006 season opener.

The Bears host the Arkansas -Little Rock Trojans on Sunday at 1:00 pm at Plaster. The Trojans are coming off of a 0-2 loss Friday evening against Memphis. Memphis is ranked #1 in Conference USA and in the Top 20 and defeated UALR 7-1 last year. Should be another hard fought match. The official attendance count Friday night at Plaster was 621, bolstered by what looked to be a group of 50 from Arkansas based upon the cheering post-goal. One of the best crowds I can recall in 5 years of coverage. Hopefully we can build on that.

This Week in Southwest Missouri Soccer

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Olympic Soccer is coming to a close this week, with the Women’s finalist having been determined this morning (no spoiler’s here for those who have taped it or are watching online later). The Women’s Gold Medal game is Thursday morning at 8:00 am CT, with the Bronze Medal game at 5:00 am. I’m thinking I may be able to watch it at the new Library downtown on USA. Hmmm.

The Men’s Semifinal games are tomorrow. Nigeria vs Belgium at 8:00 am while Argentina vs Brazil at 5:00 am. The Bronze medal game will be played Friday at 6:00 am it looks like while the Gold Medal game will be at 10:00 pm Friday night. Sounds like a good reason to hang out in Coester’s again. Who’s interested in joining me for that one?

Continuing on the International front, the US Men renew their World Cup 2010 qualification effort with a game on Wednesday evening in Guatemala. The game is being broadcast live on ESPN2 at 9:00 pm. I will be at Coester’s, come out and join me.

There are a pair of Missouri State Women’s games this weekend to enjoy. The Bear’s open their regular season with a pair of opponents from Arkansas. Friday evening at 7:00 pm the Arkansas Razorbacks visit Plaster. Watch for #10 Kelly O’Connor, a Bentonville grad who played in the Kickapoo Shootout a couple of times. Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojanssquad is the opponent.

Just an FYI – the Men have games in Des Moines at the end of August but won’t play at home until Sep 5-6.

UPDATE – another unlisted Drury game has hit my radar. Southwest Baptist is hosting the Lady Panthers on Wednesday this week at 4:00 pm. It should be an excellent match, with the Bearcats reaching the MIAA Final last year . I’m going to have to scramble on this one…

By the way, Drury hasn’t only recruited a player in Hillary Cockrell, they also got a photographer. Her father Mitch is an accomplished soccer photographer as you can see here in his shots of the Men’s game on Saturday. He makes his photos available for free (I’m going to have to chat with him about that one)