Newcomers Power No. 13 Arkansas to First Win of 2025

FAYETTEVILLE - No. 13 Arkansas (1-1-1) is in the win column thanks to goals by a pair of newcomers.

The Hogs shut out Georgia Southern (2-2-0), 2-0, in a match that was originally set to take place in Statesboro but was relocated to Fayetteville due to weather concerns.

Arkansas took the lead before the 1-minute mark, its first lead in a match this season. A shot from outside the box by freshman Molly Teed was deflected towards transfer midfielder Erin Bailey, who was wide open and aimed for the far post.

Bailey netted her first goal as a Razorback, but not her first at Razorback Field. Last year, while playing for BYU, the Layton, Utah native scored the Cougars' first goal against the then-No. 6 Hogs, who won the match 4-2.

Sophomore midfielder Aniyah Nurse-Whyte came close to doubling Arkansas' lead in the 30th minute, but her strong attempt from outside the 18-yard box was saved by Georgia Southern goalkeeper Katie Oakley.

Freshman forward Camila Palacios made her collegiate debut in the 37th minute. Three minutes later, Palacios scored her first collegiate goal and put the Hogs ahead 2-0 after a cheeky move at the top of the penalty box.

Palacios became the Razorbacks' sixth goal scorer through three matches.

Possession balanced out in the second half, but Arkansas still dominated in shots, 24-4, for the match. The Hogs forced Oakley to make nine saves. Razorback goalkeeper Keegan Smith picked up her first clean sheet of the season and the 12th of her career.

The Eagles' closest chance came in the final two minutes but was saved.

Up Next

The Hogs will host the current top-ranked Duke Blue Devils on Thursday, August 29 at Razorback Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and the match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

For more information on Arkansas soccer, follow @RazorbackSoccer on social media.