University of Central Arkansas Athletics

FLORENCE, Ala. – It was a hot day, a hard-fought game, but most importantly, it was a win for the Central Arkansas women's soccer team Sunday afternoon. After a scoreless first half, Gracie Hair scored her second goal of the season to lift the Bears to a 1-0 win over the Lions. The win improves Central Arkansas to 7-7 on the season, with a 4-2 ASUN record.
 
The first half was about as even as it could get. Both teams were able to move the ball, securing dangerous field position early on in the half. It amounted to nothing, though, as defense ruled the first 45 minutes. Despite a few quality plays, the first half ended with the teams combining for just eight total shots.
 
Coming out of the break, the Bears ramped up the intensity, pushing it into high gear to establish control on the early part of the second half. The first chunk of the second saw Central Arkansas dominate possession, keeping the ball in the attacking third of the field. Cross after cross came in, and for a while, the North Alabama defense bent, but would not break.
 
Finally, in the 51^st minute, Hair broke the scoreless stalemate with a long shot from the left side that snuck around the diving arms of the Lions' keeper. The goal was Hair's second of the season, and second in as many matches, having scored in the previous match against Jacksonville State as well.
 
North Alabama almost immediately answered, countering off of the kickoff, getting a good look at a shot. Keyla Perez had other ideas though, keeping the Lions offense searching for an equalizer. The Lions thought they had one in the 55^th minute, putting the ball in the net on a counterattack, but the goal was negated by an offsides call, keeping the Bears on top.
 
The remainder of the second half was much like the first half. Both teams had well developed opportunities but couldn't find a cross or a finishing touch. Central Arkansas held possession for most of the second half, outshooting the home team 8-4 in the second stanza.
 
With the win, the Bears move into first place in the ASUN West Division, and second overall in the ASUN. Next up for Central Arkansas is its final home match of the season on Thursday, as the team welcomes Eastern Kentucky. Match time on Thursday is set for 7 p.m.