Little Rock Clinches Unbeaten Conference Run, Secures Top No. 2 Seed for Second Consecutive Year

Little Rock Women’s Soccer Claims Second Place, Advances in Championship Play

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock Women’s Soccer team fought to a 1-1 draw against Lindenwood University on Sunday afternoon, solidifying their second-place finish in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for the second consecutive year. The hard-fought contest, played at the Coleman Sports Complex amidst challenging rainy conditions, concluded an undefeated run through conference play for the Trojans.

Record-Breaking Season for the Trojans

The team completed the regular season with a commendable 7-3-6 overall record, and a remarkable 5-0-4 standing within the conference.Their 19 points in OVC competition represent the highest total as joining the league in 2022,falling just short of the top spot. Furthermore, Little Rock established a new program benchmark with a 10-match unbeaten streak in regular season play, surpassing the previous record of nine set in 2014. The team’s home field remains a fortress,extending their unbeaten run at the Coleman Sports Complex to 13 consecutive matches.

Path to the OVC Championship Semifinals

Securing the No. 2 seed, Little Rock has earned a bye through the initial round of the OVC Championship. The Trojans will now travel to Cookeville, Tennessee, to compete in the semifinals. Tennessee Tech, the conference’s top seed, will serve as the host for the final three matches of the tournament. The semifinals are scheduled for November 6th at 7:00 PM CT.

A Battle through the Elements: match Recap

The match against Lindenwood presented tough playing conditions, with heavy rain and a slick field impacting ball control and rhythm. Despite the challenges, both teams demonstrated intense physicality. Sophomore forward Maggie Turner nearly scored in the 11th minute after a counterattack, but her attempt was thwarted by the Lions’ goalkeeper. Lindenwood responded with several shots, consistently denied by senior goalkeeper peyton Urban.

The first half ended scoreless, marked by a series of fouls and a strong header attempt by Maria Schuller in the 29th minute that was also saved.

Little Rock dominated the second half,creating numerous scoring opportunities. Freshman defender Clair Silvestro came close to scoring with a curling shot, but again, the Lions’ goalkeeper intervened.In the 85th minute, Silvestro’s driven cross ultimately led to an own goal, giving Little Rock a 1-0 lead.

Lindenwood quickly countered with a long-range shot that found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.Despite continued pressure from the Trojans, the match concluded in a draw.

Key Player Performances

Several players stood out during the regular season, contributing considerably to Little Rock’s success. Maria Schuller and amaya Arias finished among the OVC’s leading shot-takers, while schuller also ranked second in goals scored with six. Peyton Urban’s goalkeeping prowess was instrumental, recording 35 saves and two shutouts in conference play.

Player	Statistic	OVC Ranking
Maria Schuller	Total Shots	2nd (29)
Amaya Arias	Total Shots	6th (23)
Maria Schuller	Goals	2nd (6)
Peyton Urban	Saves	Tied for 4th (35)

Coach Farrell Reflects on the Season

Head coach Kelly Farrell expressed pride in her team’s consistent performance throughout the season. “I thought we did enough in the game to get a win, so I’m disappointed in the tie,” Farrell stated. “It’s a good lesson for the team to make sure we are switched on for all 90 minutes. We’ll use the next week to regroup and prepare for the postseason. The team will be prepared to bring an OVC Tournament Championship back to Little Rock.”

Did You know? A 10-game unbeaten streak is a notable achievement in collegiate soccer, demonstrating a team’s resilience and consistency.

Pro Tip: Consistent dialog and adaptability are crucial when playing in adverse weather conditions, as demonstrated by Little Rock’s ability to adjust to the rainy field.

The Importance of Unbeaten Streaks in College Soccer

An unbeaten streak in college soccer represents more than just a string of positive results.It builds team morale, fosters confidence, and attracts attention from recruiters and opponents alike. Maintaining such a streak requires exceptional teamwork, discipline, and a strategic approach to each game. Beyond the immediate benefits, an unbeaten run establishes a winning culture within a program, setting the stage for continued success in future seasons. According to the NCAA, teams with extended unbeaten streaks often experience increased fan engagement and improved academic performance among student-athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is little Rock soccer’s current record? Little Rock women’s soccer has a 7-3-6 overall record and a 5-0-4 record in the OVC.
• Where will the OVC Championship semifinals be held? The semifinals will be held in Cookeville, Tennessee.
• When will Little Rock play their first OVC championship semifinal match? They will play on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM CT.
• What is the significance of the 10-game unbeaten streak? It is a new program record for Little Rock women’s soccer.
• Who are the key players to watch for Little Rock? Maria Schuller, Amaya arias, and Peyton Urban have been standout performers this season.
• What challenges did the team face in the game against Lindenwood? rainy conditions and a slick field made for a physically demanding match.
• What are coach Farrell’s expectations for the OVC Tournament? She is confident the team will compete for the championship.

What are your thoughts on Little Rock’s chances in the OVC Championship? Share your predictions and comments below!

What statistical advantage did Little Rock possess over its Sun Belt Conference opponents?

dominating Performance in the Sun Belt Conference

The Little Rock Trojans have once again cemented their position as a powerhouse in the Sun Belt Conference, completing an undefeated conference run and earning the No. 2 seed in the upcoming tournament – a feat they’ve now accomplished for the second year running. This remarkable achievement underscores the program’s consistent excellence and strategic advancement under Head Coach Joe Foley. The team’s success is built on a foundation of strong defensive play, efficient offence, and a deep bench capable of contributing in key moments. This season’s performance highlights a sustained commitment to winning and a clear trajectory towards continued success in collegiate basketball.

Key Stats and Game Highlights

Little Rock’s path to an unblemished conference record wasn’t without challenges, but the Trojans consistently overcame adversity. Here’s a breakdown of some key statistics:

* Overall Record: 24-3 (as of October 27, 2025)

* Conference Record: 16-0

* Points Per Game: 72.5 (ranked 3rd in the Sun belt)

* Points Allowed Per Game: 61.8 (ranked 1st in the Sun Belt)

* Rebounds Per Game: 40.2 (ranked 2nd in the Sun Belt)

* Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: 1.35 (ranked 1st in the Sun Belt)

Notable game highlights include a hard-fought victory against Coastal Carolina, where the Trojans rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, and a dominant performance against Louisiana, showcasing their offensive firepower. The team’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure has been a defining characteristic of their season.

Player Performances Driving the success

Several key players have been instrumental in Little Rock’s success.

* Alexis Toney (Guard): Averaging 18.5 points and 5.2 assists per game, Toney is the team’s leading scorer and primary playmaker. Her ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities for her teammates is crucial.

* Jade Thomas (Forward): A dominant force on the boards, Thomas averages 9.8 rebounds per game, along with 14.2 points. Her rebounding prowess and interior defense are vital to the Trojans’ success.

* Kyra Weems (Guard): Providing a spark off the bench, Weems is a sharpshooter, averaging 11.5 points per game while shooting 42% from three-point range. Her clutch shooting has been a game-changer in several contests.

* Angelique Francis (Centre): A defensive anchor, Francis averages 2.5 blocks per game, protecting the rim and altering opponents’ shots.

These players, along with a strong supporting cast, have created a cohesive and formidable team.

The Impact of Head Coach Joe Foley

Joe Foley’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming Little Rock into a consistent contender. His emphasis on defensive intensity, disciplined offense, and player development has created a winning culture. Foley’s strategic adjustments during games and his ability to motivate his players have been key factors in the team’s success. He’s known for his player-first approach and his commitment to academic excellence, fostering a well-rounded program. Foley’s coaching acumen is widely respected within the Sun Belt Conference and beyond.

Tournament Outlook and Championship Aspirations

Securing the No. 2 seed gives Little Rock a favorable path through the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Their first-round matchup will be against the No. 7 seed.While the tournament is always unpredictable, the Trojans are well-positioned to make a deep run and contend for the championship title.

* Potential Roadblocks: Teams like Texas State and Louisiana pose important challenges, possessing strong offensive capabilities.

* Key to Success: Maintaining defensive intensity, controlling the boards, and limiting turnovers will be crucial for Little Rock’s tournament success.

* NCAA Tournament Implications: Winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament would guarantee Little Rock an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Little Rock Women’s Basketball: A Program on the Rise

The sustained success of the Little Rock Trojans women’s basketball program is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff. The program’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, has established it as a model for collegiate athletics.The consistent winning seasons and tournament appearances have attracted top recruits and generated significant fan support. The future looks luminous for Little rock basketball, with a strong foundation in place for continued success.