FAYETTEVILLE -- For the third time this season, the No. 8 University of Arkansas women's soccer team played a strong second half after a slow first.

The Razorbacks created ample opportunities in the second half, but did not capitalize during a 2-0 loss to No. 3 Duke at Razorback Field on Thursday.

Arkansas Coach Colby Hale was encouraged by the second-half showing, noting the Razorbacks (1-2-1) have shown glimpses of who they can be against the Blue Devils (3-0), sixth-ranked Notre Dame and 10th-ranked Iowa.

"I thought we got better today," Hale said. "When we win the SEC and we go to a Final Four, we're going to point to a game like this and say, 'This made us better.' "

Both of Duke's goals -- Mia Minestrella in the first half and Devin Lynch in the second -- came off counterattacks.

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