FAYETTEVILLE -- The first goal for Sunday's home match with TCU was to set an attendance record for the Arkansas women's soccer team.
Arkansas accomplished that with a crowd of 2,337, and then sent them home happy with a 1-0 win over the Lady Frogs at Razorback Field.
After a hard-fought, even match virtually the whole way, the Razorbacks (2-0) punched in a goal from Claire Kelley at the 81 minute, 18 seconds mark. Arkansas held off several late rushes by TCU (0-2) in the those final eight minutes that had the big crowd holding its collective breath.
"It wasn't our best game, but we got a win," Arkansas coach Colby Hale said. "You could tell just a couple of minutes in that it was going to be one of those grind-it-out kind of nights. That seems to suit us. We hung in there and took advantage when we got a chance late. That's what we've been doing."
The lone goal seemed to start at midfield when senior leader Ashleigh Ellenwood dug out a loose ball and boomed it deep into the right corner. It was corralled by Katie Moore who passed in front of the net where Kelley nudged it in from a crowd in front of the net for her second goal in as many matches.
"I think I hit it in with my shoulder," Kelley said. "But whatever it takes. It was definitely starting to get down to desperation time. I'm not really sure what exactly happened but it was a good ball and I just tried to get a body on it and get it in the net."
Arkansas keepers Jordan Harris and Cameron Carter each worked a perfect half. TCU managed 9 shots and two were on goal, but did not find the back of the net.
"We have two keepers and they both bring a little different things to the table," Hale said. "They are a good combination."
Arkansas managed 11 shots and three total on goal, with two nice saves before Kelley got on the scoreboard.
Ellenwood played all 90 minutes for Arkansas, switching back and forth from forward to defensive side as needed.
A large crowd of students was active, singing songs and making chants and cheers during the game.
"That was amazing. They really picked us up and made us excited," Ellenwood said. "It was a great atmosphere and TCU came out and played really hard and made it a great game. It was a lot of fun and we are really happy to be 2-0."
The game was promoted in advance to try to set the attendance record and the stands were full.
"We had 2,400 people here that sounded like 24,000," Hale said. "I think we have one of the best atmospheres in America right now. We are very grateful for all the students and fans that came out to support us tonight."
Sports on 08/24/2015