UCA soccer falls in second-half rally against UAB

Central Arkansas men’s soccer fell 2-1 to UAB on the road in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday night.

The Bears didn’t wait long to test the Blazers’ defense. Kyle Schwartz fired the game’s first shot just four minutes in, working off a corner kick from Danny Nava. His attempt sailed just wide of the net.

Things quieted down after that. Neither side got off another shot for the rest of the opening 15 minutes as both defenses held firm.

UCA broke that stretch in the 26th minute when Vaclav Kozeny ripped two shots on frame, though neither found the back of the net.

UAB struck first in the 30th minute. Lucas Rizzo scored off a throw-in, with Carson Brice picking up the assist. The Blazers doubled their lead right before the half when Tony Kim buried a goal in the 43rd minute.

UAB pressed hard the whole match and picked up five offside calls in the process. Still the Bears headed into the locker room ready to answer.

Bears respond after the break

UCA came out swinging in the second half. Ten minutes in, Mateusz Wojtalik scored his first goal of the season off a corner kick from Garner Wolfe. The assist put Wolfe alone atop the team lead with three helpers this fall.

The Bears’ defense also locked in. After controlling much of the first half, UAB managed just one corner kick the rest of the way.

The Blazers’ best chance after the break came in the 73rd minute, when a UAB player broke into open space. Logan Smith hustled back and won the ball to end the threat.

UCA finished with eight shots and two saves from goalkeeper Benjamin Aviles. The Bears also won the corner kick battle 6-5 even in a losing effort.

Bears look ahead to Bellarmine

The loss drops Central Arkansas to 4-2-1 on the year while UAB moved to 4-1-1.

UCA hits the road again Saturday for a matchup with Bellarmine which tied Hanover College 1-1 in its last outing.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and the match streams live on ESPN+.