The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
1-0-2
Arkansas
2-0-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | OT 1 | OT 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TEXAS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Soccer opens home slate with 0-0 (2OT) deadlock against No. 22 Arkansas
08.30.2014 | Soccer
Junior goalkeeper Abby Smith nearly equals career high with seven saves in her 16th career shutout.
AUSTIN, Texas -- After waiting out a two-hour and three-minute lightning delay during Friday's event opener between Stephen F. Austin and Nevada, Texas (1-0-2) christened its 2014 home campaign by battling No. 22 Arkansas (2-0-1) to a 0-0 (2OT) draw in front of 1,359 fans at the Mike A. Myers Stadium.
The nationally-ranked Razorbacks out-shot the Longhorns by a 15-8 total and 7-4 in shots on goal, while UT managed a 7-3 advantage on corners. Texas junior goalkeeper Abby Smith continued her amazing play between the pipes by earning her 16th career shutout on the strength of seven saves. Junior midfielder Sharis Lachappelle and junior forward Kelsey Shimmick topped the UT offense by launching a pair of shots, including one on frame.
Originally scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. CT, the two teams finally took the pitch at 8:57 p.m. An argument could be made that the lengthy wait affected both teams' as neither squad's offense appeared sharp in the early going.
Arkansas managed the contest's first shot at the 6:40 mark as midfielder Claire Kelley leapt high to head a long throw-in into Smith's waiting arms between the pipes.
Texas finally got its offense untracked around the 13th minute as following a wide shot by forward Kelsey Shimmick, a cross from Lachappelle resulted in a header over the bar by midfielder Lindsey Meyer. Just minutes later the 'Horns managed three corner kicks in quick succession, but managed just a single shot as sophomore defender Isabelle Kerr's try drifted high.
Lachappelle continued wreaking havoc in the midfield towards the end of the opening stanza as a 30th minute left-footed drive and a shot with just 12 seconds remaining forced a pair of stops by Arkansas keeper Cameron Carter as the teams went to the break at 0-0.
UT defender Julie Arnold got Texas off on the right foot in the second frame as her speed created a chance in the 48th minute. Unfortunately, her shot from about 22 yards out at the top of the box was also corralled.
The match had stretched out at that point as Arkansas nearly caught the Horns on the break in a couple of instances. Smith was there each time, however, to snuff out any threat.
With neither offense winning the battle of Texas' crosses into the middle and Arkansas' lobs off long throw-ins, the match would require overtime.
In the first OT the Razorbacks managed the only two shots, with the best chance coming on a volleyed drive from the top of the 18 from forward Ashleigh Ellenwood that ventured wide.
UA nearly ended things with 7:38 remaining in the second OT as a header by Kelley hit off the crossbar and was cleared out of danger.
Smith, who had already scored two goals from her keeper position in her Longhorn career, blasted a free kick on goal with three minutes remaining, but Carter was there to preserve the scoreless deadlock.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. by hosting Nevada at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Stephen F. Austin and Arkansas will begin the day's festivities at 11 a.m.
