Conway, Ark. - The Central Arkansas Men's Soccer Team fell 2-1 to the Hatters of Stetson in an ASUN matchup on Saturday, October 9. The result keeps the Bears tied at the top of the table along with Stetson and potentially Lipscomb.

FIRST HALF - STAYING ON YOUR TOES AND LATE GOAL

Stetson started the match the quickest out of the two sides, getting the opening goal in the 17th minute after the Bears gave away possession in their defensive third. Mathias Bendiksen somehow had his shot denied in the 21st minute when he hit it back across goal, taking a heavy deflection and forcing a goal-line decision by the assistant referee. 

Kris Naicker scored the equalizer in the 45th minute, just before halftime after Shuto Yoneno's original shot was parried away to Pablo Azcona who's follow-up fell right to the feet of Naicker who tucked it away smoothly.

SECOND HALF - OPPORTUNITIES YET NO LUCK

Central Arkansas had their chances to open the scoring in the second half, but consistently found themselves having to track backwards against a Stetson side who looked to counter attack in the final 45 minutes. The Hatters game plan worked as they scored the eventual game-winner in the 62nd minute after a quick counter attack found the Bears out of position.

Kris Naicker came closest in the second half when his shot cannoned off a Stetson defender causing multiple Bears to shout for a handball. But no call was given with nearly 10 players stacked together when the ball collided with the defender.

HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS

"Obviously it is a great achievement to score my first ASUN goal, but credit to the team for getting me there. I am very blessed to be able to play this game. This result doesn't change anything, we need to keep going all out and keep going for the next match," said the young Kris Naicker after the result.

The Bears travel to Edwardsville, Illinois for a non-conference match against SIUE on Tuesday, October 12. Kickoff for that match is set for 7 P.M.