No. 10 Arkansas secured a 1-0 victory over Texas A&M on Sunday night in Bryan-College Station, Texas. The only goal of the match came in the 11th minute from freshman Vailana Tu’ua, who redirected a shot from midfielder Kennedy Ball and scored with her left foot for her third goal in SEC play.
Arkansas’ defense played a key role for the remainder of the game. Defenders Dejionee Anderson and Avery Wren disrupted several Texas A&M counterattacks. In the 88th minute, goalkeeper Evie Vitali, making her first start in SEC competition, prevented an equalizer by tipping Kaylee Noble’s shot over the crossbar.
Despite being outshot 10-4 by Texas A&M, Arkansas limited its opponent to just one shot on target.
Following this win, Arkansas has now won three consecutive matches and is tied with Georgia at the top of the SEC standings with nine points. This marks the third straight season that Arkansas has started conference play with three wins and no losses. Over their last eight meetings against Texas A&M, Arkansas holds a record of seven wins and one draw; six of those matches were decided by a single goal.
Vailana Tu’ua now shares the team lead in goals scored this season with Zoe Susi at three each. The shutout was Arkansas’ third clean sheet this year and their first during SEC play. On the road this season, Arkansas remains unbeaten with three wins and one draw.
Since 2020, Arkansas has captured three SEC regular season titles, recorded 41 wins out of 51 conference games, and achieved an overall goal differential of plus-80 against league opponents. The team leads all SEC schools in total goals since 2020 with 114; Alabama is second with 84 goals during that period.
Arkansas will next face Ole Miss at home on Friday, September 28 at Razorback Field. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be available via live stream on SEC Network+.
For further updates on Arkansas soccer, information can be found through @RazorbackSoccer on social media.
