Arkansas secured a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten No. 11 BYU in Provo on Tuesday night. Sophomore goalkeeper Keegan Smith made nine saves, matching her career high and earning her 13th career shutout. The only goal of the match came from sophomore forward/defender Kyndal Ewertz, who scored with nine minutes left, becoming Arkansas’ first multi-goal scorer this season.
Arkansas (2-2-1) controlled possession early in the match, with its first significant opportunity coming from forward Bella Field in the ninth minute. In the latter part of the first half, Arkansas conceded four free kicks near the penalty area but BYU was unable to convert any into goals. BYU outshot Arkansas 9-6 in the opening half, while Smith recorded three saves by halftime.
In the second half, BYU continued to challenge Smith, forcing several notable saves. Arkansas had difficulty keeping possession but managed off-target attempts from Field and Kennedy Ball. Despite only winning four corner kicks throughout the match, Arkansas capitalized on their final one in the 81st minute when Ball’s delivery found Ewertz for the decisive header.
The goal marked Arkansas’ seventh of the season and its first scored directly from a corner kick. BYU finished with a 21-16 advantage in shots and led 5-4 in corner kicks.
Before this result, Arkansas had not won against ranked opponents this season (0-2-1). Head coach Colby Hale improved his record against BYU to 3-0-1 all-time.
Arkansas will conclude its non-conference schedule on Friday, September 5 at Creighton before beginning SEC play at Florida on Thursday, September 11.
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