Conway – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team will close out the regular season on Saturday evening, hosting the Missouri State Bears at the Bill Stephens Complex at 5:00 PM. Prior to the match, which could impact seeding in next week's Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, UCA will honor the careers of seniors Jordan Bates, Brandon Wilde, Dylan Brog, Kayiraba Toure, Wes Carson, and Alejandro Moquete.

"This is a group of players who have been through a lot here at UCA," said head coach Ross Duncan. "The character and resolve of these players is fantastic. And to see the progress they have made through their time here is a great part of coaching. All of these guys will be missed when they're gone, but they can be proud knowing that they've been a huge part of why this program has progressed the way it has."

Bates, from Tomball, Texas, has been a mainstay in the UCA lineup since arriving in Conway, playing 5,234 minutes over the course of 63 matches. He has scored one goal and assisted on two others while anchoring the Central Arkansas back line and currently sits second in program history in minutes played, just 19 back of first place. He is pursuing a degree in Marketing, with a focus on Supply Chain Management.

"From day one, Jordan has played a big role on this team," said Duncan. "He went from a guy we would plug in anywhere across the back or into the midfield to quickly holding down a starting center back roll from a young age. He has really matured as a player during his time here, and I am very proud of what he has been able to accomplish. As a captain, he has embraced his leadership role and as a player he is absolutely fearless."

Wilde, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, has seen 1,758 minutes of action while wearing the purple and grey, stepping onto the field for 31 matches and making 19 starts in the UCA midfield. He will receive a degree in Biochemistry.

"What more can I say about Brandon," asked Duncan. "He embodies everything that we are aspiring to as a program. As our inaugural 'Human of the Year,' he has set the bar high for what it means to wear the number five jersey for us. As a player on the team, he is a model for how to treat your body, what to bring to training, and how to manage yourself in the face of adversity. His leadership, both on and off the field, is going to be hard to replace."

Brog, also from Salt Lake City, Utah, has played 2,234 over the course of 34 matches played, 29 of which have been starts. He has taken eight shots, putting two of them on goal. He is pursuing a degree in Communications.

"Dylan has brought a lot to this program," said Duncan. "He is one of the biggest personalities in the locker room, and you always know that he has your back. As a player, he is an incredible ball-winner and an engine in the midfield. Off the field, he gives you everything he's got: humor, compassion, and he is always going to be a guy that you can trust. His presence will be sorely missed."

Toure, from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has played just one season in Conway, playing 14 minutes this year, but has made an impact on the team nonetheless. He is pursuing a degree in Economics with a focus on International Trade.

"We were unfortunate to only get one season with Toure," said Duncan. "He came to us late, but made a big impact on the group. His personality and dedication to our team's success was a model for a lot of the other players. On the field, he is an absolute handful to deal with. He's strong, can hold the ball well, and has an absolute cannon of a left foot."

Carson, from Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been an offensive juggernaut for Central Arkansas over his four seasons, scoring 23 goals and picking up seven assists. He sits in the top ten in program history in points (53, tied for fifth), goals (23, fifth), game-winners (4, tied for ninth), penalty kicks made (2, tied for sixth), games started (61, tied for 10^th), and minutes played (4,750, third). A member of the 2013 Missouri Valley All-Freshman team, Carson led the Valley in scoring last season, becoming the first Central Arkansas player to earn All-MVC first team honors. He will receive a degree in finance.

"Wes has been a huge part of UCA soccer for the last four years," said Duncan. "His goals and performances on the field are the obvious pieces, but he is also such a big driving force for the group and has a passion that is uncommon. He is one of those players that is a joy to coach. Not always easy, but at the end of the day, an absolute joy. You want him on your side no matter what you are doing. I know he is going to do big things with this game still, but the way he approaches soccer is also going to serve him well in life."

Moquete, a native of Madrid, Spain, has played in 39 matches while at UCA, making nine starts and tallying 1,504 minutes played. He has found the back of the net at a highly-efficient rate, striking four times on nine shots on goal, while adding an assist and one penalty kick converted. He is pursuing a degree in Management-Information Systems.

"Alejandro is the ultimate team player," said Duncan. "He reflects the character and values of our program, not only with his words to his teammates, but in his actions on a daily basis. He is a tireless worker, and excellent teammate, and has made a lot of sacrifices for this team to be successful. As a player he is a guy you can always count on. He is consistent, has a very high work rate, and will give you quality when you need it the most."

Central Arkansas will be looking to continue its recent form, which has seen the purple Bears go 4-0-1 over their past five matches. Currently tied with Missouri State for fourth place in the Valley, a win tomorrow, coupled with an Evansville loss to SIUE would see UCA move into a tie for third place, which would be broke base on goal differential.

The Bears and the Bears have faced off once already this season, with Missouri State earning a 1-0 win in Springfield, Missouri on October 8^th.