Arkansas Strikes Late to Edge BYU 1-0 in Top-15 Thriller
Kyndal Ewertz's 81st-minute header lifts eighth-ranked Razorbacks past Cougars in Provo
PROVO, UT – In a captivating clash between top-15 programs, eighth-ranked Arkansas manufactured a dramatic 1-0 victory over 11th-ranked BYU on Monday evening, with substitute Kyndal Ewertz hammering home the decisive header with just nine minutes remaining at South Field.
The match showcased everything expected from a meeting between highly-ranked opponents – relentless pressure, tactical sophistication, and goalkeeping heroics that kept both sides locked in a scoreless battle for over 80 minutes. BYU actually outshot the visitors 21-16 and held a 9-4 advantage in shots on target, yet Arkansas proved more clinical when it mattered most.
Keegan Smith emerged as Arkansas's guardian angel between the posts, producing seven crucial saves throughout the contest. The Razorbacks goalkeeper stood tall repeatedly in the second half, denying BYU's most threatening opportunities as the Cougars pressed desperately for the opener. Her most spectacular intervention came in the 78th minute when she flew across her line to turn away Afton Perry's goal-bound effort from close range.
At the other end, Paiton Collins kept BYU in contention with four saves of her own, including a pair of quick-fire stops in the 50th and 51st minutes that preserved the deadlock during Arkansas's most sustained period of pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived from an unlikely source. Ewertz, who had only entered the match in the 75th minute, positioned herself perfectly at the back post as Kennedy Ball delivered a dangerous corner kick. The substitute forward rose above her marker and powered her header into the bottom corner, sending the traveling Arkansas contingent into raptures.
Ball's assist proved the difference between two evenly-matched sides. The midfielder, another second-half substitute, had been instrumental in shifting momentum toward the Razorbacks after her introduction. Her precise delivery capped off a period where Arkansas began to assert territorial dominance despite BYU's statistical advantages.
The Cougars created the clearer chances throughout much of the contest. Sophie Sivulich troubled Smith with several dangerous attempts, while Ellie Walbruch and Halle Dixon both came close to breaking the deadlock in the second half. Dixon's 66th-minute effort sailed just wide of the far post after she had worked space brilliantly in the penalty area.
Arkansas showed their tactical flexibility with aggressive substitution patterns, making 11 changes throughout the match as head coach utilized the full depth of the roster. The strategy paid dividends as fresh legs helped the Razorbacks maintain intensity in the crucial final quarter.
BYU's attacking philosophy created numerous promising situations, particularly through their patient build-up play in midfield. Afton Perry orchestrated much of their creative play before being substituted, while Mika Krommenhoek provided energy in the engine room. However, the final pass consistently eluded the Cougars when well-positioned in dangerous areas.
The victory represents a significant statement from Arkansas, who absorbed sustained pressure from a quality opponent before striking at the perfect moment. Their defensive resilience, anchored by Smith's outstanding performance, provided the platform for Ewertz's late heroics to separate two well-organized teams.
Key Players
- Keegan Smith (Arkansas) - Made seven saves including several spectacular stops to preserve the clean sheet and earn Arkansas the victory - Kyndal Ewertz (Arkansas) - Came off the bench in the 75th minute and rifled home the winning header with nine minutes remaining - Kennedy Ball (Arkansas) - Provided the assist on the winning goal with a perfectly weighted corner kick delivery