CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team hits the road for its first away match of the season, playing at SMU on Monday. Ranked 19 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, the Mustangs present an early test for the Bears. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
 
The Bears (0-1) nearly completed the comeback against SIUE last time out, falling 2-1 after giving up a late goal to the Cougars. Pietro Fontana kept the home team in it by equalizing in the second half with his first goal of the season, but the late goal by SIUE was a bit too much to overcome.
 
With SMU on the schedule, it continues a tradition under head coach Frank Kohlenstein to load up with challenging opponents in the nonconference portion of the schedule, as made evident by looking even beyond playing SMU. In doing so, the Bears play a very difficult schedule to prepare themselves for the ASUN schedule, comprised of teams that don't all match up to the likes of SMU, FIU and others on the schedule. To further illustrate the point, last season saw the Bears win a single nonconference game, but then turned around to lose only one conference match, reaching the ASUN Championship finals to boot.
 
Last season's matchup with the Mustangs didn't go Central Arkansas' way, but a 2-0 final score downplays the even matched efforts of both teams. Particularly in the second half, the Bears outshot SMU 9-5, putting five of them on goal. Central Arkansas also had more corner kicks (6 to 3), putting themselves in prime positions to score, just not converting the final touch.
 
SMU started its season 1-0 after a 2-1 win over UTRVG at home last Thursday. The Mustangs outshot their opponents 16-3, putting their two goals in before the clock had reached the 25^th minute. UTRVG scored one in the 80^th to cut the lead to one, but couldn't muster any more offense before the final horn.
 
Bailey Sparks and Jaylinn Mitchell both put home their first goals of the year, with Alexander Petraeus assisting on both scores. In goal, Cole Johnson allowed one goal and made one save, not getting tested all that much against UTRVG.
 
Monday's match is set for 7 p.m. at SMU's Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available online.