CONWAY, Ark. – On the road again, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team heads east to take on Liberty on Thursday. The first meeting between the teams in Lynchburg, Va., kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT.
 
The Bears (3-6-2, 1-2-1 ASUN) fell at home to Lipscomb last time out, dropping a 2-0 final score on Sunday. Despite the loss, the defense proved to be up to the challenge for 57 minutes, becoming the first ASUN team to hold the Bisons scoreless for that long this season.
 
Central Arkansas has leaned on its defense this season, with a host of newcomers learning the top of the formation, weathering some storms this year. Even though the Bears have been outshot in eight matches this season, the defense, headlined by fifth-year Taylor Webb and freshman Rylee Ellis, have held seven opponents to one or fewer goals.
 
The goalkeeping corps has also been a talented bunch for Central Arkansas, keeping offenses at bay all season long. With a three-keeper rotation, the Bears have put together one of the stronger backstops in the country, recording the 33^rd-best save percentage, stopping almost 85 percent of shots on goal.
 
Hosting the Bears this Thursday, Liberty awaits the Bears with a 7-3-2 record, with a 3-0-1 standing in the ASUN. Taking down Kennesaw State on Sunday, the Lady Flames have won three-straight matches, all of which have been conference opponents.
 
Liberty last played the Owls to a 2-0 final score, tallying a goal in both halves. The Lady Flames outshot Kennesaw State 31-7, with a 19-1 advantage in shots on goal. Liberty has one of the more aggressive offenses in the conference, letting off 17.1 shots per match this season.
 
Thursday's match is set for a 5 p.m. CT start at Osborne Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available here.