Arkansas’ program-record 14-game soccer win streak was snapped Thursday at LSU.
The No. 4 Razorbacks lost 4-2 in their regular-season finale. It was Arkansas’ first loss since a 1-0 decision in overtime at North Carolina on Aug. 22.
The Razorbacks (14-3, 9-1 SEC), who clinched the SEC championship last Sunday, were denied their first perfect SEC campaign. Arkansas also had a 24-game unbeaten streak snapped against SEC West opponents.
LSU (11-6, 4-6) secured the No. 9 seed in next week’s SEC Tournament.
“I thought we were really dangerous tonight,” LSU coach Sian Hudson told SEC Network. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of the players.”
The Tigers scored twice in the first half to take a 2-1 lead after Arkansas’ Parker Goins scored in the game’s second minute. Shannon Cooke tied the game in the 19th minute.
Rammie Noel and Tinaya Alexander bookended halftime with two goals in less than five minutes of game time to put LSU ahead 3-1. Anna Podojil scored against an empty net in the 68th minute to pull the Razorbacks within 3-2.
Alexander’s second goal in the closing seconds capped the scoring.
“They played desperate in the first half and we didn’t,” Arkansas coach Colby Hale said. “In the second half, I thought we played better. Winning is hard and that is a good reminder. We had our chances in the second. This will make us better.”
All four LSU goals came against Arkansas goalkeeper Hannah Warner, who had allowed only six goals during the 14-game win streak. The Razorbacks had allowed five goals to SEC teams prior to Thursday, and had shut out three of their previous four opponents.
Arkansas might see LSU again next week at the SEC Tournament in Orange Beach, Ala. The Razorbacks will play Tuesday at 5 p.m. against the winner of Sunday’s game between LSU and Georgia.