Florida Gulf Coast Holds Off Furious Bears’ Finish in 2-1 Match

CONWAY, Ark. — Despite a furious finish, Central Arkansas couldn’t find an answer, falling 2-1 to Florida Gulf Coast on Friday night.

The Bears (5-7-2, 2-3-1 ASUN) celebrated their outgoing seniors before first kick, and opened the game in control of possession. Pressure was high, turnovers were in good spots, but the Eagle defense was able to claw its way out of some tough situations, keeping UCA scoreless through the initial surge. Pharis Petrica had the first shot on goal for the Bears in the seventh minute, forcing a save from the FGCU keeper.

But after withstanding the first wave, the Eagles were able to turn momentum, driving the length of the field quickly and returning some shots. And while the Bears were able to bend for a while, the line finally broke in the 19th, giving FGCU a 1-0 lead.

Rather than allow the visitors to capitalize on the first goal, the Bears set out to equalize, pressuring up top. Pietro Fontana was able to turn his possession into a foul inside the penalty area, earning himself a PK.

The junior forward stepped up, breathed deeply, and sunk it, tying the game in the 25th. Both sides continued to seek the lead as the first half wound down, but the buzzer would sound before either side added a score.

The second half became more contentious as time wore on, as both sides sought an advantage. After two yellow cards in the first half, there were five handed out in the second half, as things started to get chippy.

That came into play midway through the half, when FGCU earned a free kick from about 25 yards out. Looping it from right to left, the Eagles snuck it into the net, taking a 2-1 lead in the 64th minute.

This set off the UCA offense, who found a different gear in the offensive third. Over the last 20 minutes and change, the Bears continually launched the ball up top, collected for a cross or shot, only to have it come right back out.

Over the last 10 minutes, the Bears had four shots, two on goal and two just inches away from hitting the post, but UCA was unable to find an equalizer.

UCA has just one match left on the schedule, playing at North Florida next Saturday. Kickoff against the Ospreys is set for 6 p.m.