Edwardsville, Ill. –

The Central Arkansas men's soccer team opened Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday night, heading to Edwardsville, Illinois to battle SIU-Edwardsville. The Bears and Cougars needed extra time to decide the match, with SIUE picking up the golden goal in overtime to earn the 2-1 victory.

SIUE (5-5-0, 1-0-0 MVC) took the lead in the 44^th minute, when Andrew Kendall-Moullin took a pass from Gabe Christianson and slotted it inside of the far post to put the Cougars up 1-0. Central Arkansas (4-6-1, 0-1-0 MVC) got an equalizer in the 66^th minute, as Wes Carson received a through ball from Logan Miller and slammed it home from 15 yards out to even the game at 1-1. Neither team was able to find a game-winner in regulation, but Lewis Ellis gave SIUE the golden goal two minutes into overtime, heading home a cross from Justin Bilyeu to give the Cougars the 2-1 victory.

Carson led the Central Arkansas offense, placing both of his shots on goal. Connor Bowen and Jaden Hoth each added a shot. Bilyeu put two of his four attempts on goal for the Cougars and Christian Volesky added a pair of shots. Patxi Shortsleeve was in goal for the Bears, making three saves and surrendering two goals. John Berner manned the net for SIUE, making one save and allowing a goal.

Central Arkansas returns to action next Saturday. The Bears will host Bradley at noon at the Bill Stephen Soccer Complex.