No. 20 Rebels Earn Road Shutout At Arkansas

A first-half goal and stellar defensive play resulted in a key road win for No. 20 Ole Miss Soccer, as the Rebels claimed a 1-0 shutout over Arkansas matching the Rebels’ best start in school history.
It marked the Rebels’ (9-1-1, 2-1 SEC) second win of the week, earning three more valuable points towards the Southeastern Conference standings. Ole Miss posted a score in the 30th minute and dominated defensively, not allowing a single shot on goal to secure the eighth shutout of the season.
The 30th minute marked the lone score on the day, which began with a loose ball in the box and ultimately landed at the foot of junior CeCe Kizer. Senior captain Bella Fiorenzo collected a deflection at the top of the box, before flicking it off to Kizer. From there, she one-touched and punched it from 18 yards out, curling into the upper 90 for the game-winner.
The Rebels went on to control the opening period with five shots in the first 45 minutes, holding the Razorbacks (6-5-1, 1-1-1 SEC) to just five attempts. The Hogs looked to have the equalizer in the 48th, but an offside call took the score off the board.
Out of the break, Arkansas would post back-to-back shots in the 73rd, but the Rebels stacked the box and goalkeeper Marnie Merritt covered it to maintain the shutout. Four minutes later, freshman Channing Foster would take a ball all by herself downfield, but her attempt from 20 yards out went high.
The Razorbacks went on to find the back of the net with just three minutes to go, but another offside call took the score off. From there, the Rebels stayed strong on the backline and secured the shutout in full time.
Overall, the Ole Miss once again led the way with 14 shots to Arkansas’ nine. Foster finished with seven on the afternoon, while Kizer had three. The Razorbacks held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks, but the Rebels were solid clearing out all afternoon.
Kickers

• With the ninth win on Sunday, the Rebels matched their best start in school history at 9-1-1, tying the 2002 club that also went 9-1-1.
• The victory also marked the third-straight win in Fayetteville, and 16th overall, now leading the series with the Hogs 16-5-2.
• The Rebels’ eighth shutout of the season was their first over Arkansas in eight years (and fifth overall), going back to a 1-0 victory in overtime in Fayetteville.
• Kizer’s goal was her 10th of the year, doubling her total from all of last season, which puts her tied for first in the league in total goals.
• Senior captain Bella Fiorenzo dished out her second assist on Kizer’s goal.

Up Next
The Rebels return home to host No. 3 South Carolina Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Soccer on Twitter at @OleMissSoccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissSoccer, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemisssoccer. Also follow head coach Matt Mott on Twitter at @CoachMattMott. Additionally fans can get a behind the scenes look at Ole Miss Athletics on Snapchat under the handle, @WeAreOleMiss.

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Courtesy of Ole Miss Sports