Arkansas opened its final preseason exhibition with a 2-0 loss to Memphis on Saturday in Tennessee, a match that pitted the Razorbacks against the No. 21 Tigers in a three‑quarter format rather than the traditional two halves. The defeat, while not counting toward the official record, served as a stark reminder of the team’s inconsistency, especially in the closing stages of play.
A Test Before the Season
Memphis struck first in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a swift midfield break that left the Arkansas defense scrambling. The Tigers added a second goal in the final 20 minutes, sealing a result that underscored the Razorbacks’ struggle to maintain intensity when the game wore on.
The previous exhibition had offered a glimpse of offensive firepower, as Arkansas had routed Kansas City 3-0 with all three goals arriving in the third period. That performance had raised expectations, but the Memphis match revealed a different narrative — one where effort and focus were uneven, particularly in the latter stages.
Coach Colby Hale addressed the team’s shortcomings after the loss, emphasizing that the Razorbacks must learn to run and compete on every ball. He noted the distinction between the squad’s "A game" and "B game," stressing that sustained effort throughout the entire match is essential if they hope to compete against the elite opponents on the horizon.
Looking ahead, Arkansas is slated to face five preseason top‑25 opponents, including North Carolina, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, and Clemson, before opening the regular season against Baylor on August 12 at Razorback Field. The schedule presents a rigorous test, and Hale’s call for consistency will be put to the test early and often.