SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - The Eastern Washington University women's soccer team traveled down south to face Arkansas in a neutral spot at San Antonio, Texas and fell to a 4-0 deficit at the UTSA Invitational. The Eagles were neck-and-neck with the Razorbacks in the first half with a 1-0 score in favor of UA, but Arkansas pulled ahead with three goals in the second half.

"We had a very good first half today, which was predicated on an excellent start on both sides of the ball. The team did a very good job executing the tactical components we discussed pre-game, and were very accountable to their individual moments, which showed in our commitment to tight ball pressure defensively and a much stronger intention individually to take care of the ball once we had it. We could tell our defensive organization was frustrating Arkansas to some extent early, as we limited the quality chances they are so used to producing," said head coach Missy Strasburg. "Their first goal was scored against the run of play, on a transition 3v2 moment created off of our corner kick. Arkansas is exceptionally athletic and an incredible transition team, which we worked hard to prepare for, so giving up a goal in that fashion was disappointing. In the second half, we eventually got overwhelmed by their athleticism, depth, and relentless mentality, and they took advantage of a handful of our errors. While as a team we are dissatisfied with this result, especially following our first half effort and execution tonight, we tip our hat to Arkansas and know that this experience of competing with the back-to-back SEC champion this evening will accelerate our own growth for the future, as our team aims our sites at winning another Big Sky Championship."

EWU freshman goalkeeper Kiara Matson got the start today and was tested out the gate, facing six shots within the first 10 minutes and saving four with the other shots being off target.

However, with the early pressure from the Razorbacks, they were able to squeeze a goal past Matson in the 23^rd minute from UA forward Ava Benedetti.

The Eagles responded with shots by freshman Grace Terrill, sophomore Maddie Morgan and senior Sariah Keister, but all of which were saved by Arkansas keeper Hannah Warner.

As the second half began, the Eagles were tested once more. UA forward Parker Goins would find a second goal for the Razorbacks in the 49^th minute to take a 2-0 lead over the Eagles.

As the Eagles relentlessly pursued the Razorback backline, with several threatening chances including another shot attempt by Terrill, they were ultimately denied by Warner. After a seven-women substitution change by the Razorbacks, they collected a third goal in the 77^th minute by a shot from Taylor Malham.

With under five minutes left in the match, the Razorbacks continued to pressure the Eagles tumultuously to find a fourth and final goal to go ahead 4-0.

After the final 90 minutes of regulation play, EWU settled with a 4-0 deficit against the UA program.

WIN-LOSS RECORDS: EWU moves to a 1-5-0 overall record after facing Gonzaga, Arkansas State, Washington State, Seattle, CSU Bakersfield and Arkansas in preseason matches. After today's match, the Razorbacks move to 3-2-0 overall.

Additionally, Eastern Washington falls to an all-time series record of 0-1 verses Arkansas.

TOP PERFORMANCES: Freshman goalkeeper Kiara Matson hits a career-high 10 saves from 31 total shots taken by Arkansas.

Grace Terrill and Maddie Morgan each took two shots during the match.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Eastern Washington took five shots with one landing on frame opposed to the UA's 31 shots in which 17 landed on target.  

The Eagles forced the Razorbacks to make one save versus EWU's 10, and Eastern also had one corner kick while UA took nine.

UP NEXT: Eastern Washington returns home this Thursday on Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. Pacific time to host St. Thomas at the EWU Soccer Field.

The match will be live streamed on ESPN+ and followed via LIVE STATS HERE.

For more information on how to watch on ESPN+ click HERE.

Following the match, the Eagles travel to Lubbock, Texas to compete against Texas Tech on Sept. 19th for their final non-conference match of the 2021 fall season.