CONWAY, Ark. – A physical, hard-fought match ended in a draw for the Central Arkansas women's soccer team, as the Bears earned a 1-1 final against North Florida.
Anna Kerr finished a beauty of a touch to get the Bears on the board, and Central Arkansas stayed unbeaten in the ASUN. The draw moves the Bears to 6-5-2 on the year and 5-0-2 in league play.
North Florida came out guns blazing, pressuring high and forcing the Bears into uncomfortable situations. The Ospreys played themselves into multiple corner kicks and early shots, but the Bear defense was able to hold the line.
UNF continued to control the ball in its attacking third, keeping the pressure up against the back line of the Bears. By the time the first half was done, the Ospreys had taken ten shots, but
Kajsa Pruner and the defense stayed strong and kept the visitors scoreless.
After making some halftime adjustments, the Bears came out flying, moving the ball quickly and getting up the field for what felt like the first time all game. Central Arkansas was able to find space along the right side of the field, using that side to initiate offense.
Finally, a corner kick for the Bears got bobbled around inside the six-yard box, and
Caroline Billings was able to pop it over a pair of defenders to a sprinting Kerr, who punched it home for the first goal of the match. North Florida set to answer quickly, but through the 60-minute mark, the Bears continued to bend without breaking.
But a relentless North Florida eventually broke through in the 80
th minute, finding a rebounded shot that left an empty goal to even the score. Central Arkansas went right back to work to try, driving the length of the field to serve balls into the box, and had several attempts, but receivers on the other end couldn't find the final touch.
The Bears have one more game at home this season, celebrating Senior Day on Sunday. Kickoff against the Jacksonville Dolphis is set for 12 p.m., Central Arkansas will celebrate its senior class before first touch.
