Conway – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team returns to Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday night, welcoming the Valparaiso Crusaders to the Bill Stephens Complex. Prior to the match, the Bears will take the time to celebrate the career achievements of eight players who will be taking the field for their final MVC match at the Stephens.
The group is arguably the most successful in the program's 11-season Division I history, leading the Bears to consecutive Missouri Valley Conference Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2016 and helping Central Arkansas to back-to-back four win seasons in MVC play in 2016 and this year.
Dango Kumwenda, from Blantyre, Malawi, has played two seasons at Central Arkansas, seeing action in 19 matches and totaling 836 minutes played. He has featured in UCA's defensive rotation since joining the Bears, and has one assist while putting all three of his shots on goal. Kumwenda, who was named to the MVC Honor Roll for the 2016-17 season, will receive a degree in Business Administration.
"Dango was a great addition," said UCA head coach Ross Duncan. "We wish we had him for more than just the two seasons, but we are happy to have him. He's been a great defender and has been a joy to coach."
Tyler Ridener, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has played 3,069 minutes over the course of 42 matches during his four years in Conway. He has recorded three assists from the UCA backline while taking 16 shots. A member of the 2015-16 MVC Honor Roll and a three-time member of the UCA Dean's List, Ridener will graduate with a degree in Nursing.
"Tyler is a guy you always want in your corner," said Duncan. "He's given us some big moments through his career and approached the game like he approaches life; by meeting it head-on."
William Woody, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, has made 59 appearances in his career, ranking eighth in program history with 4,059 minutes played. He has scored two goals, including the game-winner in last season's 3-2 overtime win at Drake, while adding five assists and putting 10 of his 30 shots on goal. Woody will receive a degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
"Woody has really served this program well," said Duncan. "Every moment he has been on the field we have gotten everything he has to give us. He is determined, committed, and a good teammate."
Blake Stricker, from Frisco, Texas, has been a mainstay on the UCA defense since arriving in Conway four seasons ago, playing 63 matches and ranking fourth in program history with 4,945 minutes played. He has scored one goal and assisted on four others while putting five of six shots on frame. Stricker will graduate with a degree in Business Administration/Management Information Systems.
"Blake possesses some unique qualities that don't generally go together," said Duncan. "He has incredible quality on the ball, but he is also the bravest player on the field. He has been an excellent player for us through his career and will be hard to replace."
Pepe San Roman, a native of Madrid, Spain, has played in 57 matches during his career for a total of 3,329 minutes played. He has scored seven times, including a pair of game-winners this season, and assists on six goals, while putting 32 of 91 shots on goal. San Roman will receive a degree in Business Administration.
"Pepe has been one of the top midfielders in our conference since he arrived here," said Duncan. "He brings quality and personality to our group."
Colton Jackson, from Skiatook, Oklahoma, has played 1,085 minutes over the course of 44 matches during his career, scoring twice and assisting on three goal. A two-time recipient of the MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award and two-time member of the MVC Honor Roll, he has placed seven of nine shots on goal during his career. Jackson, who has been named a UCA Presidential Scholar six times, will graduate with a degree in Accounting.
"Colton has embraced every single roll that we have given him," said Duncan. "He gives us everything, no matter what we ask of him, and has put in some excellent performances."
Bradly Amos, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has totaled 135 minutes played over the course of six matches. He has been earned the MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award twice, been named a UCA Presidential Scholar four times, and been named to the MVC Honor Roll and UCA Dean's List twice. Amos will graduate with a degree in Health Services Administration.
"Bradly personifies what it means to be a UCA men's soccer player," said Duncan. "He possesses incredible integrity, a grit and determination to fight through adversity, and bring a positive attitude every day."
Ferdinand Matebu, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, has spent just one season with the Bears, playing in UCA's first eight matches this season before going down with an injury. In 404 minutes played, he recorded one assist and took one shot. He will receive a degree in Business Management.
"We have been really happy to have been able to add Ferdinand to the group, even if it was for just this year," said Duncan. "He's got quality on the ball and he fits well into our system."
Senior Day activities will begin at 7:00 PM, with kickoff set to follow.
