CONWAY, Ark. - The Central Arkansas Women's Soccer Team fell 3-2 in a tightly contested Southland Conference match against Abilene Christian University. The Bears sit in ninth place, just a single point outside of a playoff spot going into the final match day. 

FIRST HALF - WORKING HARD BUT FRUSTRATION CAME

The Bears started quick out of the gate and showed true promise in a crucial match. Taylor Webb met a lofted corner kick with her head which was just saved by the Wildcat defense. The Bears took advantage of a quick counter attack when Emma Hawkins was pulled down just outside of the 18-yard box in the 13th minute. The ACU defender was shown a yellow card for stopping a promising attack and the Bears were awarded a free kick.

Gracie Hair stepped up to take the free kick from 20 yards out and tucked it away with a low hard strike to the bottom right corner. The Bears continued to control possession and attacking pressure until Abilene found an equalizer from a counter-attack. The teams exchanged chances for the rest of the half, as the sides were unable to be split at the break.

SECOND HALF - UNLUCKY CALLS AND LATE PRESSURE

A quick start by the Bears led to an attack which saw Hawkins turn on a defender and into the 18-yard box before being brought down, with no call coming for the Bears. Just a minute later, the Wildcats were awarded a penalty for a foul just inside the area. Abilene Christian tucked the chance away to take a 2-1 lead.

Just two minutes later, Abilene got another goal and made it 3-1. The Bears got one back in the 75th minute when Emily Wissel-Littmann fired a long shot with her right foot off a pass from fellow freshman, Alyssa Aultman. The Bears put pressure on the Wildcats, but could not find the equalizer late. 

HEAR FROM THE COACH

"It's been a long year, but this team keeps fighting. Even though we aren't getting the breaks, it has to turn our way, so all we can do is keep fighting. We have to have a win next Friday. We have to have a great week of preparation. We must put ourselves in the best chance to win next Friday," said Head Coach Jeremy Bishop.

HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS

"Hopefully our momentum carries over well. We know we can win the next game and work together for one another," said Emily Wissel-Littmann, a freshman midfielder.

"The fight that we had today will need to carry over into the next game. Next game is important for us to go into the conference tournament," said Gracie Hair.


The Bears host Northwestern State next Friday night, April 9. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.