CONWAY, Ark. – After playing the final non-conference game of the season, the Central Arkansas men's soccer team is locked back in on ASUN matches. Up next, a meeting with Stetson in DeLand, Florida. Kickoff against the Hatters is set for 6 p.m. CT on Saturday.
 
The Bears (5-6-1, 2-2 ASUN) should feel like they're in a pretty good place after last time out. Despite a loss to No. 10/15 SMU, the Bears only fell 1-0, with chances late to equalize. An outing against a nationally-ranked program like that should give Central Arkansas a feeling that if the team can play like that against a program like SMU, they can play like that against anyone.
 
Central Arkansas is 1-1 in ASUN matches since the start of October, having defeated Lipscomb and fallen to Jacksonville. The Bears have seen some offense from a number of sources, first of which has been Devonte Richards. The multi-positional Barbadian can strike from anywhere on the field, and has so far this season. He ranks second on the team with a pair of goals, but his ability to find others has been what has made him stand out this season, with five assists.
 
With just three games left this season, the Bears are in a good place, ranking third in the ASUN with six points. One of three teams with two conference wins this late in the year, Central Arkansas holds its destiny in its own hands, with a chance to make a statement on Saturday.
 
The obstacle in front on Saturday is Stetson, the league's top team. Holding a 4-4-3 overall record and a 3-0-1 record in league games. With wins over Queens, Jacksonville and North Florida, the Hatters have put a quality resume together with just a few games to go.
 
Stetson has been led offensively by Maruice Hauser, who has four goals and an assist this year. Two of his goals have come in ASUN matches, along with two goals from Alfonso Conde. But since the start of ASUN games, it's been the defense of Stetson that has really stood out; the Hatters have only allowed two goals in four conference matches.
 
Part of that defense has been allowing only eight shots per match, and fewer than four on target per game. But the other factor has been goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, who has 12 saves on those 14 shots on goal, equaling out to two shutouts in the ASUN.
 
Kickoff against Stetson is set for 6 p.m. CT on Saturday. The match will have live stats available online.