Eastside FC Alum Emily Jenkins Sends Arkansas to SEC Semifinals with Clinching Save

Eastside FC Class of 2026 alum Emily Jenkins delivered a moment to remember Tuesday night, making the decisive penalty kick save to send Arkansas past Kentucky and into the SEC Tournament semifinals. With the quarterfinal tied 1–1 after regulation and overtime, the Razorbacks called on the freshman goalkeeper to take over for the shootout—and she answered.

Making her first game appearance since September 4, Emily stepped into goal with Arkansas’ tournament hopes on the line. The shootout reached a sixth round, and after the Razorbacks pulled ahead 5–4, she stopped Kentucky’s next attempt to seal the victory. It was just the second penalty shootout win in Arkansas program history, setting up a semifinal matchup with Texas.

For Emily, it was a standout moment in her first collegiate season. For everyone at Eastside FC, it was a proud reminder of the opportunities that await our players beyond their club careers. Seeing one of our own step into a pressure-filled moment and help her team advance gives our entire community—and the young goalkeepers following in her footsteps—something to celebrate. Congratulations, Emily!