BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Central Arkansas men's soccer team defeated UAB 1-0 in the finale match of the Soccer for the Cure Invitational. The result comes after the Bears won their opening game of the Invitational.

FIRST HALF - SUAREZ STRIKES AGAIN
Alberto Suarez took the first chance of the match in the eighth minute, but put his shot high. The Bears continued to put pressure on UAB until Edoardo Merci played a lovely ball right to Suarez who tucked away the opportunity and gave the Bears the early lead in the 26th minute. The goal gave Suarez his fourth goal in four games.

Just three minutes later Jonathan Randall nearly opened his account for UCA, but his shot fell right into the UAB goalkeeper's hands.

SECOND HALF - CLEAN SHEET ON THE ROAD
The Bears had their opportunities to double their advantage through Merci, Pablo Azcona, and Mathias Bendiksen, but none could find the back of the net. The Blazers of UAB forced Central Arkansas to play much more defensive, but Zach Schawl and the defense held strong and kept UAB from having good chances to threaten the lead.

HEAR FROM THE COACH
"It is super to have the team's efforts pay off for them with a good start! We are trying to establish a level of standards that we compete at and the guys are pushing to improve every training and competition. I am very proud of the way the team is working for each other, Purple Bears take care of Purple Bears," said Head Coach Frank Kohlenstein after the 1-0 win over UAB.

The Bears stay on the road as they take on Missouri State on Sept. 8, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.