CONWAY, Ark. – The start of ASUN play is imminent, as the Bears head east to face Bellarmine on Thursday. Kickoff against the Knights is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, Ky. The women's soccer team, after winning a share of the ASUN West last season, embarks on its second season in the conference against the Knights.
 
Central Arkansas played two games over the weekend, defeating Grambling State on Friday before falling to Oklahoma State on Sunday. Against Grambling State, Abby Gibson started the scoring with a rocket in the 30^th minute, before Maria Vanegas put her first goal in Purple and Gray home in the 89^th on a terrific free kick that arced into the top corner of the goal. Friday's win was the second of the season for the Bears, who succumbed to the Cowgirls to close the weekend.
 
The Bears now have five goal scorers on the year, with Gibson and Tristyn Pavatt scoring game-winners this season. Between the posts, all three keepers have been playing well in their rotation. Keyla Perez leads the team with a 0.80 goals-allowed-average, giving up the first goals of her season against OK State. Kajsa Pruner came in for the second half against the Cowgirls and stuffed a PK as part of a career-best 13 saves.
 
Last season's matchup with the Knights was a win for Central Arkansas, who finally scored in the 98^th minute of a 1-0 win. Despite being outshot 15-5, Perez and the defense kept a clean sheet, one of seven from last season. Along with Perez in goal, Kelly Van Gundy and Taylor Webb played all 98 minutes against Bellarmine last year.
 
The Knights have not gotten off to the start they wanted, hosting the Bears with a 0-3-4 record. Ironically, Bellarmine has lost each home game this season, tying every match they've played on another team's field. Most recently, the Knights tied 0-0 at Chicago State in a relatively low-action game.
 
With just two goals on the season, Bellarmine has struggled to put together complete games, although the defense has held up its end of the bargain. Surrendering just five goals through seven matches, the Knights have given up just 0.71 goals per game. Goalkeeper Elyssa Francis has played 413 minutes across six matches, giving up only .44 goals per game, amounting to two goals allowed.
 
Kickoff against the Knights is slated for 6 p.m. in Louisville. Thursday's match will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available here.