NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team erupted for four goals in regulation but it wasn’t enough as Arkansas rallied and netted the game-winner 25 seconds into overtime for the 5-4 win.
Vanderbilt falls to 3-9-3 overall and 0-6-1 in conference play, while Arkansas improves to 10-5-0 and 3-4-0.
The Commodores got on the board first early in the game when a triple-teamed Cheyna Williams, found Jamie Kator right at the top of the 18. Kator then rifled the ball past the keeper for her second goal of the year.
The Razorbacks knotted it up at one, 21 minutes into the first half. Off a Vandy turnover Ashleigh Ellenwood was able to collect the ball and score from 20 yards out.
Both teams would continue to go back-and-forth, as the ‘Dores answered right back two minutes later. Williams once again drawing multiple defenders found Simone Charley, who from long range went top right out of the keepers reach to give Vandy the 2-1 lead.
Arkansas converted once again following one of Ellenwood’s long range throws to tie the game at two going into the half.
Just over a minute out of the halftime period, Williams got in on some of the scoring herself. From what seemed to be an impossible angle from outside the right of the box, Williams was able to sneak the ball inside the left post to give the lead back to the Commodores.
After Arkansas brought the game to three a piece, Williams would score yet again converting for her 12th of the season off a Razorback turnover.
Vanderbilt held a 4-3 advantage with nine minutes to play in regulation until Arkansas’ Tyler Allen launched one at the net from about 35 yards out, catching Shannon Morrish off-balance, and sneaking it past for the equalizer.
The Razorbacks didn’t waste anytime in OT, as Ellenwood scored her second of the game just 25 seconds into the period for the golden-goal victory.
The Commodores will be back on the pitch Sunday for a 1 p.m., match with Mississippi State. The match will be aired live on CSS, with Melissa Lee and Cameron Broome on the call.
