Central Arkansas Extends Unbeaten Streak Against EKU

CONWAY, Ark. – Central Arkansas started off its season with five-straight losses before starting ASUN action.

After Thursday night, the Bears kept that loss-les streak intact with a 1-0 victory against Eastern Kentucky on Thursday night at Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex –Richard Martin Jr. Track.

The Bears kept their spot in the ASUN standings with a 5-5-1 overall record and 4-0-1 in conference matches, Kelly Van Gundy scored her fifth goal of the season and fourth in ASUN games, slotting home her third game-winner of the year.

While on paper, the teams weren’t supposed to produce many chances in the first half, both sides put shots on goal in the first ten minutes. Anna Kerr forced a save by the EKU keeper, and on the other side, Kajsa Pruner stood tall and stopped the Colonels’ chance. The Bears would continue to put shots up, with three shots on goal in the first 15 minutes.

Once the initial flurry of activity was done, the offenses cooled down, with shots coming farther and fewer between as the first half ticked away. Kerr took one more look before the half expired, but her attempt went high and the first half finished scoreless.

Eastern Kentucky came out in the second half looking to push, putting up the only three shots of the first 15 minutes of the second half. Central Arkansas finally regained possession and momentum, resulting in a run to Kerr in the box that ended up in a penalty situation. Van Gundy stepped up to take the shot, and lifting it a bit, put it in the net for the 1-0 lead.

Once the Bears were in the driver’s seat, the pace slowed for one side, and picked up for the other. The Colonels were desperate to get some offense going, whereas Central Arkansas was content to pick and choose spots to move the ball forward. Pruner and the defense weathered the storm, forcing an EKU offense to gamble with long passes. The Colonels had two chances in the 80th minute, but Pruner was in front and picked up the shutout.

Final | BEARS WIN! The one score is all we need, and we defend home field against the Colonels!#BearClawsUp pic.twitter.com/JpdecOORVc

— UCA Women's Soccer (@UCAWomensSoccer) October 4, 2024

Central Arkansas moves to three points over second place Lipscomb, whom the Bears have a tiebreak over, and remain undefeated in ASUN games. The 4-0-1 start matches last season’s start, after which Central Arkansas finished second in the league. The Bears take the field again on Sunday, playing Bellarmine at 1 p.m.