ATLANTA - The Central Arkansas men's soccer team fell 3-2 in a neutral site conference match against Coastal Carolina.

The Bears got off to a slow start as the Chanticleer's scored the first goal of the match in the 4th minute. Central Arkansas would gain some momentum back, but were counter-attacked in the 14th minute, as Coastal scored their second of the match. "It was a really poor start to the match. We made mistakes that cost us goals and we can't afford to give away goals like that," said Coach Ross Duncan. The Bears would quickly respond with attacking play, winning a penalty in the 19th minute, which was taken by Soren Jensen, making the score 2-1. Central Arkansas put multiple shots on frame, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Central Arkansas came out swinging in the second half, taking chances and limiting Coastal to very few. Nothing changed the scoreline until the 69th minute when Jensen put a ball in for Alberto Suarez, who fired it home to bring the Bears level at 2-2. Coastal took the lead back just a few minutes later in the 75th minute off of a free-kick. The Bears were unable to change the scoreline even with multiple chances threatening the Coastal goal. Coach Ross Duncan had this to say about the match, "sure, we responded well, but that's not what this program is about. We are at our best when we compete and stay focused and both of those were missing in the first 20 minutes."

"Sunday is now massively important for conference play" Coach Duncan said.

The Bears take on Coastal Carolina again on Sunday in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CT.