DENVER, Colo. – Playing a third ranked team in five matches, the Central Arkansas men's soccer team put up a tough fight against No. 17 Denver, but ultimately fell 2-0 on Sunday.
 
Central Arkansas fell to 1-4-1 on the year, but continued to learn from each match and remain competitive in these tough games. The offense had the right idea early in the game, but got caught out of position a couple of times, getting whistled for offsides. Denver was able to parlay that into the first shots of the game, forcing Connor Wachtel into an early save. The teams would battle until Devonte Richards would get the first shot on goal for the Bears, as the Barbadian smashed one that the Denver keeper was able to get in front of.
 
Seven minutes later, in the 25^th, Denver broke the stalemate after a shot was saved by Wachtel, but right into the waiting body of a Pioneer. Denver continued to pepper the Bears with shots, but the Pioneers missed the target time and time again, opting for quantity over quality. Possession traded back and forth in the latter stages of the first half, but neither side was able to take advantage of much.
 
Making halftime adjustments, Central Arkansas came out on a mission to equalize, resulting in another rocket from Richards, but it too would be saved. The Bears' adjustments forced decisions from the Pioneers, keeping the ball in motion and fluid throughout the midfield, changing possessions and creating more drives.
 
What that allowed Central Arkansas to do was keep pace with the nationally ranked opponent in the second half, matching the Pioneers shot for shot. Unfortunately, despite putting more shots on goal than Denver in the final 45, the Bears couldn't find the back of the net. Even more unfortunate, Denver did, scoring in the 71^st minute to push the lead to two goals. Central Arkansas would give it a good fight through the final whistle, but couldn't make a dent in the lead.
 
With the bulk of nonconference play behind them, the Bears now turn to apply what they've learned over the past six games to what matters: ASUN play. Starting with Bellarmine at home on Saturday, Central Arkansas seeks another chance at a deep run in the ASUN Championship and a third-straight top-two finish in the league. Kickoff against Bellarmine is set for 7 p.m.