Razorbacks stun second-ranked Duke

Arkansas' Stefani Doyle (17) celebrates with teammate Claire Kelley (12) after scoring a goal during the second half of a game against Duke on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — In front of the largest single-game crowd ever at Razorback Field, Arkansas upset No. 2 Duke, 2-1, Friday night.

The Razorbacks (3-0) saw a record 3,010 fans file through the gates to watch the upset of the defending national runner-up unfold. Duke, featuring the nation’s top scoring offense entering the weekend, was taken out of its game and finished with just three shots on goal in 12 attempts.

Arkansas women’s soccer coach Colby Hale couldn’t have been happier with the result and the turnout.

“We played Florida State four years ago, No. 1 in the country, and there were more fans here an hour before tonight’s game than were at that one,” said Hale, who moved to 5-0 in home openers at Arkansas with the win. “That’ll tell you how the crowd was.”

Arkansas gave the record crowd a reason to cheer early on when Alexandra Fischer found senior Lindsey Mayo for her first goal of the season in the 20th minute to give the Razorbacks a 1-0 edge. The score held until the opening minutes of the second half.

That’s when Arkansas put Duke in a big hole. Freshman Stefani Doyle knocked home her fourth goal in three matches, handing the Razorbacks a commanding 2-0 lead.

“We knew this was going to be a fight. They’re No. 2 in the country for a reason,” Hale said. “But (Duke has) gone up on teams very early and we knew if they were playing against a little adversity we’d have a good chance.

“(Doyle) is a freshman, so she has a lot to learn, but what a tremendous game,” Hale added. “What a great finish by her.”

Duke clawed its way back into the match with just more than 14 minutes to play as freshman Olivia Erlbeck scored to cut the Arkansas lead to 2-1. Five minutes later, Razorbacks keeper Cameron Carter — who finished with two saves — made the play of the night, stoning Duke’s Mia Gyau’s shot to preserve the lead.

Duke attacked offensively in the waning moments, but the Arkansas defense stood strong. Hale, following the win, was again very complimentary of the fans who showed up.

“This crowd is incredible,” Hale said. “Not only is there a lot of them, but they’re loud and they’re screaming. They’re unbelievable.”

Arkansas will return to Razorback Field on Monday as it plays host to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on SEC Network.

Scottie Bordelon can be reached at sbordelon@nwadg.com or on Twitter @nwascottie.