TULSA, Okla. – Tuesday night saw the Central Arkansas men's soccer team battle out a 1-1 draw against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. It marked the first of two October non-conference games for the Bears.
 
The Bears move to 5-4-1 on the season, and a number of players got to see the field on Tuesday for the non-conference matchup. In all, 21 players saw the field for the Bears, including several that were playing for the first or second time all season.
 
Tulsa controlled possession early, taking a couple of corner kicks in the first ten minutes. The Golden Hurricane continued to press as the half went on, taking five shots before the 25^th minute mark. But as the 30 minute mark passed, the Bears started pressing forward more, moving the ball quickly up the field to exploit speed mismatches.
 
Devonte Richards and Tajio James, in particular, were able to really get out on the right wing and create havoc, allowing Richards to serve balls into the box. And although it produced several shots, none were able to find the target. But then, just before half, the ball cycled back out to James on the left side of the 18-yard box. Dodging a pair of defenders, he hooked it right over the top of the keeper's outstretched arms and planted it into the back of the net, sending the Bears into the break up 1-0.
 
With the exception of a couple of key pieces, the Bears came out in the second half looking to get some other guys playing time in a non-conference match in early October. And just like the first half, the second was controlled early by the home team, resulting in a couple of shots. Then, in the 63^rd, the line finally broke, and the Golden Hurricane were able to tie the match.
 
The Bears went back to most of their starters with the game tied, sending in some offense to see if they could reclaim the lead. And while the possession once again shifted more in the direction of the Bears, play became chippy and physical, and neither team was able to generate many opportunities late in the match.
 
Central Arkansas is back on the field at home on Friday, taking on Jacksonville as the Bears resume ASUN play. Kickoff against the Dolphins is currently set for 6 p.m.