Springfield, Missouri – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team returned to the pitch on Saturday evening, traveling to Springfield, Missouri to take on the maroon Bears of Missouri State University. As has been the case for the purple Bears recently, a late goal proved to be the difference-maker, as MSU scored the match's only goal in the 79^th minute.

The first half was a quiet affair as, the purple and maroon Bears combined for 11 shots, just one on goal, and nine fouls through the first 45 minutes of the match. Central Arkansas (2-7-1, 0-3-0 MVC) generated some chances early, as senior Wes Carson fired a shot just over the crossbar in the sixth minute and freshman Niklas Brodacki headed one just wide in the 11^th minute, but Missouri State (7-3-1, 3-0-0 MVC) controlled possession for much of the first half, getting the lone shot on goal of the period in the 43^rd minute, though UCA keeper Marc Olsen was able to make the save.

The second half was much livelier, with the sides putting up a combined 14 shots and putting six of them on frame. Freshman Krystian Sarzynski gave UCA its best chance up to that point, firing a rocket that MSU keeper Liam Priestly was able to make the stop. MSU would put a shot on goal in the 61^st minute, before Central Arkansas got another strong chance in the 64^th. Sophomore Christian Ilia finished off a UCA combo in some space, but put his shot off the post. Junior Pepe San Roman got a solid look in the 73^rd minute, but Priestly made the save.

Missouri State finally broke the drought in the 79^th minute, when Jake Buckle slid a pass to Tyler Swanner, who hammered it home for the game-winner.

On the night, Central Arkansas got a pair of shots on goal, with Sarzynski and San Roman each putting a shot on frame. In goal, Olsen made for saves.

"Missouri State is always a tough place to play, but we had our chances," said UCA head coach Ross Duncan. "We battled them and created good chances to score in both halves. Both teams were committed to applying pressure in their respective attacking halves, and it was an effective tactice for both of us. Shots and and dangerous chances were limited. We ended up with a great chance that went off of the post, while theirs went into the bottom corner. We get them agains at our place in November, and it'll be a difference game there. But now we shift our focus to Evansville. They're an opponent we know well, and it should be a great game."

Central Arkansas returns home on Tuesday, for a rematch against MVC foe Evansville. The Bears and Aces have faced off once already this season, with UE earning a 1-0 victory in double overtime in Evansville on September 24^th. Tuesday's match is set to begin at 7:00 PM.