UCA Loses Battle of Bears In First Home Loss

CONWAY, Ark. — In Tuesday night’s battle of the bears, the Missouri version returned home victorious.

Missouri State (3-2) defeated Central Arkansas (3-2) in a 2-0 shutout victory at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. It’s the first loss at home for Central Arkansas this season.

UCA’s direct approach earned some scoring chances early in the game, including a shot on goal by Tajio James in the 10th minute that was stopped by Missouri State’s keeper Harry Townsend. Missouri State, on the other, took a more patient approach that paid off late in the first half.

Missouri State broke the scoreless tie in the 34th minute, taking advantage of mistake by UCA’s defense. UCA continued to send the ball towards Missouri State’s goal at the end of the first half and start of the second half. Charles-Emile Brunet maybe had the best scoring chance in the second half, but his 54th minute shot was stopped by a Missouri State defender before it could reach the goal.

Both sides began to play with more physicality in the second half with four yellow cards and two red cards being issued in the final 45 minutes of play. In the 74th minute, UCA’s Kevin Ventura received a red card which then led to Missouri State’s second goal of the match shortly thereafter.

Missouri State’s Pablo Guillen received a red card in the 86th minute, but UCA was unable to take advantage of more open playing field.

UCA will be back in action Sunday when it hosts Florida International. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.