University of Georgia
Arkansas
Bulldogs Drop Close Game to Arkansas
September 25, 2015 | Soccer
The Bulldogs lost 2-1 against the Arkansas Razorbacks tonight. The lone goal for Georgia was scored by Marion Crowder with an assist from Lauren Tanner in the beginning of the second half.
Sept. 25, 2015
ATHENS, Ga. -- In a rain-soaked Friday night Southeastern Conference matchup, the Georgia Bulldogs fell 2-1 to the Arkansas Razorbacks in a tight, physical battle at the Turner Soccer Complex.
Georgia (1-7-1, 0-3) dominated the offensive side of the ball, outshooting Arkansas (5-5, 1-2) 13-5 in total shots taken.
Head coach Billy Lesesne was happy with his team's effort, but hoped for a different result.
"We played well at times and were able to keep the ball," Lesesne said. "They're a difficult team to play against. Trying to manage the game and play under those conditions was pretty difficult. At times we were pretty good at it. We gave up a goal in a long throw in. They're good in long service opportunities. They were able to capitalize on a couple of those. We just didn't execute well enough in the final third. Games are won and lost in the boxes and they were better in the box than we were today."
The Bulldogs came out flying in the first half as they immediately put the Razorbacks on their heels in the defensive zone, including two corner kicks within the first ten minutes.
Georgia's pressure was broken only for moments at a time and Arkansas was able to break the scoreless tie in the 17'. Arkansas forward Katie Moore was able to put home a bouncing loose ball in the box to make it 1-0.
Following the goal, the Bulldogs kept the pressure in the Razorback's end as they looked to equalize. Despite outshooting Arkansas 6-1 and a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks, Georgia headed into the half down one goal.
The second-half started with a flurry as the Bulldogs tied the score less than a minute into the half. Junior forward Marion Crowder redirected a cross from Lauren Tanner past Razorback keeper Jordan Harris knotting the score 1-1.
Not to be outdone, Arkansas took the next kickoff down as Erika Kelley was able to sneak the ball just by Louise Hogrell's outstretched left leg, giving Arkansas a 2-1 advantage.
Following the two-goal blitzkrieg, Georgia had numerous chances to knot the score at two, but were unable to capitalize on their chances, including four of their seven corners. Midfielder Bella Hartley led the Bulldogs with three shots with Crowder, Tanner and Caroline Waters having multiple shots as well.
Georgia returns to action on Sunday when they play host to Texas A&M with kickoff set for 1:00pm on ESPNU.
