CONWAY, Ark. – The 2023 women's soccer season officially kicks off tomorrow for Central Arkansas, as the Bears open their season on the road in San Antonio, Texas. Facing an old Southland Conference foe, the Bears face UTSA for the first time since 2011, kicking off at 7 p.m.
 
Head coach Jeremy Bishop starts his 12^th season on the road, bringing back a wealth of experience with an interesting blend of youth this year. Returning four players who logged multiple goals, as well as key pieces of a defense that held 11 opponents to one or fewer goals, the Bears look to slide in new pieces around their core to continue the success they've seen in the ASUN.
 
Central Arkansas has made back-to-back ASUN Championship Semifinals, headlined by a stifling defense that is now led by ASUN Preseason All-Conference member Gabby Theis. She, along with returning sophomore Rylee Ellis, is half of a defensive duo that brings back over 3,000 minutes on the pitch. Between the posts, junior Kajsa Pruner and sophomore Lenja Kenstel will seek to add to last season's four shutouts. The duo combined for 82 saves and repelled nearly 80 percent of opposing shots on goal last year.
 
Offensively, the Bears return a dearth of dangerous midfielders, including senior Sydney Brough and junior Kelly Van Gundy, who each tallied seven points last year. Up top, Anna Kerr and Trace Pavatt gear up to use their speed to blitz opposing defenses.
 
Hosting the Bears for the first time since 2010, UTSA starts its 2023 campaign as defending Conference USA Tournament Champions, but new members of the American Athletic Conference. Winning 12 games last season, the Roadrunners are replacing three of their six leading scorers, all three of which were all-region caliber players last season. Additionally, UTSA is losing half of its keeper core that played in 2022, replacing 945 minutes in goal.
 
That being said, the Roadrunners are still returning Sasjah Dade and Marlee Fray, who tallied 13 points each last year, along with double-digit point scorer Alissa Stewart. In goal, Mia Krusinski comes back for her junior season after posting a 0.92 goals against average, making 37 saves and stopping 77.1 percent of shots on goal. The Dallas, Texas native tallied an 8-3-1 record in net last year.
 
Park West Athletics Complex proved to be a tough place to play last season for UTSA, as the team held a 7-1-1 record in 2022, with wins over Kansas State and Charlotte highlighting nonconference play. This season, a host of new opponents comes to San Antonio, as the Roadrunners join the AAC, now hosting NCAA Tournament teams like Memphis.
 
Thursday's game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff, with the game being streamed on ESPN+. Live stats are also available online.