CONWAY, Ark. – With a not so ideal start to the season in the rearview mirror, the Bears women's soccer team open their home schedule with a clash with Little Rock on Thursday. First touch against the Trojans is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. Thursday's contest marks the first leg of the Governor's I-40 Showdown with Little Rock athletics.
 
Central Arkansas currently sits at 0-1-1 after a pair of road games to start the season, having dropped a decision at Arkansas State on Sunday.
 
Despite the early slump, the Bears have had success against Little Rock recently, having won the last three outings, with an unbeaten streak of five-straight matches. In last season's match, Kelly Van Gundy opened the scoring with a goal just 86 seconds into the game, delivering what would ultimately be the game-winner in the 2-0 win. Over the last three contests, the Bears have completely shut out the Trojans, allowing zero goals in that span.
 
Head coach Jeremy Bishop, already the all-time leader in wins at Central Arkansas, enters the week with 99 wins to his name. On Thursday, he could become the first Central Arkansas head coach to reach the 100-win mark, now with a terrific chance to do it in front of Bear nation.
 
Little Rock has only played once this season, a 6-1 loss to Memphis. The Trojans were set to face Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, but the match was canceled due to MVSU being unable to field a team. Against Memphis, Natalee Geren scored the first goal of the season for the squad, netting one in the seventh minute.
 
The Trojans bring a young roster to Conway, with 10 freshmen on the Little Rock roster. Overall, the visitors bring 13 new players to the pitch for the 2022 campaign. The Trojans also embark on their first season as members of the Ohio Valley Conference, joining the conference this past year.
 
First touch between the Bears and Trojans is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. Thursday's match is the team's Back to School Bash, a drive the team puts on to collect school supplies to help children and families in need in the Conway Public School District. Thursday's match will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available here.