Heartbreak Hotel: Hogs Fall in SEC Tournament, Sunk by Longhorns

Arkansas' search for a first SEC crown continues after Texas scores golden goal

Colby Hale coaches from the sidelines in Arkansas' 8-0 win over Western Kentucky / Walt Beazley / Arkansas Athletics

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Whatever hotel Arkansas stays at for the SEC Soccer Tournament, they might want to consider changing it. The Razorbacks lost to No. 21 Texas in the semifinals on a golden goal from Lauren Lapomarda in the 109th minute after goalkeeper Keegan Smith couldn't push the ball over the bar.

LONGHORNS WIN IT IN DOUBLE OVERTIME 😱@TexasSoccer advances to the SEC Championship 🤘 pic.twitter.com/SvukXc9nae

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 8, 2024

In his 13th season as coach of the Hogs, Colby Hale is still looking for his first SEC tournament win. Hale has made seven finals, but remains winless.

Arkansas took the early lead thanks to an early goal from Kennedy Ball in the 17th minute with an impressive shot through traffic into the top right corner of the goal

HOGS LEAD!!!

Ken rips it from the top of the box and becomes our 20th scorer this season! pic.twitter.com/xQVxChOgga

— Arkansas Soccer (@RazorbackSoccer) November 8, 2024

Arkansas gave Texas the equalizer on an own goal in the 40th minute after Jailyn Brownlee attempted to clear a ball into the box from out wide, instead the ball deflected into the corner of the net.

Holly Ward ties it up for @TexasSoccer 🤘 pic.twitter.com/i539UFdiGu

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 8, 2024

Arkansas had plenty of chances to take the lead in regular time but Arkansas just couldn't get past Longhorns goalkeeper Mia Justus. She had 14 saves, including a key save late in regulation in a 1-on-1 situation against Bella Field.

The Razorbacks also were on the end of some bad luck. Arkansas looked to have scored a go-ahead goal late in the second half, but a slight touch from Ava Tankersley in an offsides position was wiped away after video review.

Arkansas now awaits its fate in the NCAA Tournament. The selection show takes place 3 p.m. Monday and will be streamed on NCAA.com.

HOGS FEED:

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• Ivisic finally able to forget drama, focus on basketball

• Pittman might be forced to play highly regarded freshman

• Razorback fans shouldn’t pay too much attention to Longhorns receiver off team

• Big Z made big 3-pointer to kickstart deciding run for Razorbacks

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