Strong Defensive Effort for Little Rock Leads to Draw Against Defending Sun Belt Champions

JONESBORO, Ark. – Little Rock's defense once again stood tall and recorded a third consecutive clean sheet, this time against a long-time rival, as the Trojans claimed a point in Jonesboro for the first time in seven years in a 0-0 draw at Arkansas State Sunday afternoon.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Peyton Urban matched a career-high five saves as she has now gone nearly 279 consecutive minutes played without allowing a goal. It marked only the eighth time in the 36-year history of the program that the Trojans (1-2-2) have blanked three consecutive Division I opponents.
 
Arkansas State (1-2-2), the Sun Belt Conference regular season champions a year ago, failed to secure a win at home for the third time in four tries this season. It marked the first time since 2015 the Trojans have secured a point when playing in Jonesboro.
 
The in-state rivalry continued its well-established tradition of close games Sunday as this marked the 11^th time in the last 14 meetings the outcome has been decided by one goal or less.
 
"The girls battled today, "Trojans Head Coach Kelly Farrell said after Sunday's contest. "Arkansas State is a tough place to play and a tough team to play against. It wasn't our sharpest game, but they worked hard, made necessary adjustments at halftime and were bought in. It's not always going to be pretty, but I am proud of them for getting three straight results, including three shutouts."
 
The Red Wolves lobbed 18 shots in the game but only five would be on-target with Urban thwarting all five chances. She particularly was aided in the stonewall defense of the Trojans against ASU's offensive attack by teammates Amaya Arias, Natalee Geren and Colleen Gilliland. 
 
"We have a big week ahead and are looking forward to playing at Coleman this weekend," Farrell said as Little Rock returns home for a pair of non-conference contests.
 
The Trojans return to the Capital City to host two games in three days beginning Friday. Louisiana Tech will visit Little Rock on Friday, Sept. 9 with a 6 p.m. kickoff set at the Coleman Sports Complex for Bark in the Bark Night as fans are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends. Water bowls will be available and special treats will be given out. Then on Sunday, Sept. 11, the Trojans will host Grambling State with a 1 p.m. kickoff. That will be Senior Day and there will be a special postgame presentation honoring the team's senior class.
 
For the latest information on Little Rock Soccer, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
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