By Martha Glen Sease

TUSCALOOSAA, Ala. – The Crimson Tide suffered its second loss in the SEC soccer season on Sunday, Oct. 11 against the Arkansas Razorbacks, 2-1.

To lead the game into overtime, the Razorbacks put the first points on the board. Arkansas midfielder, Kayla McKeon sent the ball into the back of the net with an assist from Nayeli Perez, forward. This was McKeon’s second goal of the 2020 season. McKeon has been one of Arkansas’ top goal scorers throughout her tenure as a Razorback.

In an unfamiliar pattern from the past two Alabama games, the Crimson Tide did not get on the score board until the 40th minute of game play. Sophomore midfielder, Macy Clem, scored the equalizing goal unassisted.

The second half remained scoreless. The game equal at 1-1 after the end of regulation, it went into a sudden-victory 10-minute overtime period.

Arkansas forward, Ava Tankersley, scored the Razorbacks’ game-winning goal 20 seconds into the overtime period.

It seemed fewer Arkansas fans traveled to Tuscaloosa, AL than Tennessee Volunteers fans traveled in September; however, those who did travel were loud in their support. (And loud in their objections to some calls made by the referee.)

The Crimson Tide also had a well-sized fan section in the on-and-off rain throughout the game.

Arkansas and Alabama fans alike were socially distanced and wore masks throughout the game.

Former UA student and long-time UA Women’s Soccer fan, Ben Smith, brought fan gear to the game. Smith regularly comes to games and helps decorate and lead the student section.

He said that Alabama coach Wes Hart reached out to him and a few other former students who still live in the Tuscaloosa area and put them on his list for passes to create a fan section. Smith could be seen at various points throughout the game holding up what looked like an elephant statue after the Crimson Tide scored or had a scoring opportunity.

The Tide is now 1-2-1. Arkansas remains at the top of the SEC West leader board, now 4-0-0.

 

By the numbers

  • The Crimson Tide had seven shots, with two on goal.
  • The Razorbacks had 18 shots, with 10 on goal.
  • UA goalkeeper McKinley Crone made eight saves and allowed two goals.
  • Sophomore midfielder, Macy Clem, and senior forward, Casey Wertz, lead the Crimson Tide with two shots apiece. Each had one shot on goal.
  • Sophomore defender, Sasha Pickard, and freshman midfielder, Felicia Knox each had one shot.
  • The Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks each had six corners.
  • The Crimson Tide was given 12 fouls throughout the game, and one player was awarded a yellow card.
  • Arkansas was given eight fouls throughout the game, and two players were awarded yellow cards.
  • McKinley Crone, goalkeeper; Brynn Martin, defender; and Tanna Sanchez-Carreto, defender, each saw all 91 minutes of the game.
  • As of Sunday, Oct. 11, the Crimson Tide now sits fourth on the SEC West leader board, with four points.
  • The Tide will drop lower than fourth if Ole Miss wins or draws against Auburn University on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Ole Miss will travel to Tuscaloosa on Sunday, Oct. 18 for the Power of Pink game. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. CST.