Razorbacks extend winning streak to six

September 8, 2013

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Behind a goal from senior Evan Palmer in the 103rd minute of double-overtime, the Arkansas Razorback soccer team (6-0) kept its undefeated start going with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Big Ten foe Nebraska (2-2-1) on Sunday afternoon at Razorback Field.                     

Palmer’s golden goal was setup by freshman Rachel Riggs, who battled for possession of the ball on the left side of the goal box before perfectly placing a ball in front of the net to the streaking Palmer for the Razorbacks’ second double-overtime win of the year.

“It was a good game, I thought the game went in waves,” head coach Colby Hale said. “Nebraska has so much quality in the final third of the field. I thought we managed the game well but at times absorbed a lot of pressure. I thought the golden goal was indicative of this group. It isn't always pretty but that is the way it is with this team. It was a good team effort and we will definitely take a lot from this game that we need to get better with. Winning is hard but it's a lot of fun to be part of a group that loves to put in the work.”

Arkansas would strike first in the third minute of the game off the leg of sophomore Ashleigh Ellenwood, who would find the back of the net for the fourth time this season. Ellenwood received a pass from freshman Alexandra Fischer and on the left side of the goal box and a fired a shot past the Nebraska keeper into the bottom right corner. It marked the second time this season that Ellenwood has scored in the opening five minutes of the game.

In the second half, Nebraska found the scoreboard with a goal from junior Hannah Dittmar in the 80th minute to tie the game at 1-1. Arkansas would be out-shot in the second half, 12-5, but had the best chance in the final seconds but Ellenwood’s bid at the game-winner from 10 yards out was turned away.

A scoreless first overtime period set the stage for Palmer, who registered her second goal in the last three games, but her first game-winner.

After playing four games in the last 10 days, Arkansas, who was No. 2 in last week’s NSCAA South Region poll, will now enjoy four days off from game action before embarking on a two-game road trip next weekend. The Razorbacks open the trip at Utah State on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 p.m.

For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on Twitter.

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