Arkansas women’s soccer ties Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The 10th-ranked Hogs (2-0-1) tied for the first time this season after conceding a late goal to No. 12 Notre Dame (2-0-2).

The Irish opened the scoring in the 18th minute on their second corner kick of the match, but Arkansas leveled the match five minutes later the same way.

Freshman Avery Wren, who takes most of the Razorbacks’ corners, found the head of forward Sophia Aragon just outside the six-yard box. Aragon sent the ball toward the far post, avoiding any contact with the Irish goalkeeper, to net her second goal in as many matches. The assist was Wren’s first in her collegiate career.

After 45 minutes of play, the Hogs led in shots 7-5 and corner kicks 6-2.

Arkansas started the second half as the aggressor with back-to-back corner kicks before the 49th minute mark. Instead of another setpiece goal, however, the Hogs took advantage of Notre Dame’s short goal kicks to take the lead in the 50th minute.

Forward Morgan White ran into the penalty box as the ball was kicked laterally to an Irish defender and after a brief fight for possession, White unintentionally shot the ball between the legs of the defender and into the back of the net for her third goal of the week.

The Hogs fired off five more shots in the remaining 40 minutes but couldn’t extend their lead and ultimately conceded Notre Dame’s second goal, another off a corner kick, with five minutes to play.

Arkansas finished the match ahead in shots 1310 and corner kicks 12-6.

“We knew we would see where we stand and we are making progress,” Arkansas coach Colby Hale said. “We did some run of play stuff against a top team that we can get some confidence from and keep growing. Obviously, there are some things to work on but it’s early and that was a big test. It was our first Sunday match, our first road match and our first top-15 opponent.”

The Hogs return to Razorback Field on Thursday to face the 2022 Horizon League champions, Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2-0-2). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.