The Tigers have four games left in the season, and after that, it’s the Southeastern Conference tournament. At least, that’s what they’re hoping for.
The LSU soccer team traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for a critical SEC matchup at 6 p.m. tonight against the University of Arkansas. After rallying to defeat the University of Missouri last Friday for a much-needed win, the Tigers fell on the road to the University of Florida on Sunday, plummeting to 11th place in the SEC.
For LSU (8-4-3, 2-4-1 SEC), a primary goal was to qualify for the SEC tournament to compete for the SEC title and earn an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament. However, the Tigers must secure one of the top 10 win-loss records in the league to do so.
As of now, they’re on the outside looking in.
“We definitely want to make it to the SEC tournament,” sophomore forward Jorian Baucom said. “Coming into Arkansas we’re feeling good, and we’re definitely not trying to lose two [games] in a row.”
Although LSU is ranked No. 46 in the NCAA’s latest Ratings Percentage Index released on Monday, its hopes for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament could be in jeopardy if the Tigers fail to qualify for the conference tournament in November.
The Razorbacks (5-8-1, 1-5-1 SEC) are also desperate for points and can pull even with LSU in the standings with a victory. However, LSU dominated in Fayetteville as of late with the last Razorback victory coming in 2003.
The Tigers saw a 10-game winning streak against Arkansas snapped last season in a 3-3 tie last year at the LSU Soccer Stadium. Although the team owns a 10-1 record against the Razorbacks since 2004, LSU coach Brian Lee said it won’t take them lightly.
“SEC road games, particularly Arkansas, will be a difficult challenge,” Lee said. “They’re a tough, physical team, and they have a great home crowd. We’ve had some tough challenges, and Arkansas is another one”
Road games challenged LSU as it hasn’t won away from Baton Rouge since the season opener against Oregon in August. LSU will also be without its second-leading goal scorer, junior forward Summer Clarke, as she recovers from an ankle injury suffered in the game against the University of Florida.
The Tigers’ 7-0-3 record at home has kept them in national contention, but Baucom said they have to learn to win on the road if they want to make it to the postseason.
“It’s unfortunate we’ve lost [almost] every away game,” Baucom said. “But our minds are at the right place at this point, and we’ve cleaned up on everything we possibly needed to work on this week. We feel confident going into Arkansas.”