Sixth-ranked Arkansas lost its season opener to No. 13 Iowa, 3-2, in Fayetteville. Iowa scored twice in the first half, starting with a penalty kick opportunity after a handball was called against Arkansas sophomore Kyndal Ewertz. Although Arkansas goalkeeper Keegan Smith saved the initial shot from Liana Tarasco, Tarasco scored on the rebound for her first collegiate goal.
Iowa increased its lead in the 26th minute when graduate forward Kenzie Roling finished a pass from midfielder Sofia Bush across the six-yard box. During the first half, Smith made four saves as Iowa outshot Arkansas 8-6.
Arkansas responded early in the second half with a long-range free kick by defender Taylor Tommack, who returned to play after recovering from a serious right leg injury suffered in spring 2024.
Just two minutes later, Iowa’s Abby Skiff scored from 40 yards out, restoring their two-goal advantage with 40 minutes left to play.
Ewertz narrowed the deficit in the 55th minute after connecting passes from Jailyn Brownlee and Tommack set up her goal. Junior Kennedy Ball let the ball roll past Hawkeye goalkeeper Taylor Kane but did not score.
Arkansas pressed for an equalizer during the remainder of the match. Freshman Molly Teed and senior Ainsley Erzen both had shots that went over the crossbar. In total, Arkansas outshot Iowa 12-3 in the second half but could not avoid its first regular-season home loss since spring 2021 against Saint Louis during the COVID-19 split season.
Next, Arkansas will host No. 2 Notre Dame on Sunday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m., with live coverage on SEC Network featuring Mike Watts and Ian Carry. Notre Dame opened its season with a win over Western Michigan.
“Sixth-ranked Arkansas (0-1-0) had an answer for Iowa’s (1-0-0) two early goals, but a second-half screamer by Hawkeye midfielder Abby Skiff gave the visitors a statement 3-2 win in the season opener.”
For updates on Arkansas soccer, fans can follow @RazorbackSoccer on social media.
