SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Despite several scoring opportunities throughout the match, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team struggled offensively, falling 3-0 to Missouri State on Sunday.
 
The Bears were unable to withstand the offensive pressure of Missouri State, getting outshot 21-5 before it was all said and done. Anna Kerr had a couple of shots on goal, providing some chances for the Bears, but both times, the home team keeper was able to keep it out of the net.
 
The first half was pretty uneventful, as far as the numbers went. Nina Mazzola took the first shot of the game in the ninth minute, a shot that trailed just outside of the frame. It would mark the first real scoring opportunity by either side. Missouri State countered and earned its first shot on goal a few minutes later, but Kajsa Pruner was in front of it and on top of it. Kerr put a shot on goal in the 30^th, corralling a long ball and punching it, but the Bear keeper got a foot on it to keep the visitors scoreless.
 
Missouri State finally tacked in a score in the 37^th, keeping a dangerous ball in the box on a corner kick and finding the right touch to slot it home. After halftime, the home team wasted little time before finding a second goal, doubling the deficit just minutes into the second half. The Bears would add a third goal on another corner kick in the 55th.
 
Central Arkansas tried to fight back, battling to move the ball up the wings to open up crosses into the box, but the opportunities came slowly and infrequently. Kerr had another opportunity in the 74^th, and Lea Duus Madsen took a look in the 80^th, but neither shot got the Bears on the board. Lenja Kenstel, who subbed in at goalkeeper at halftime, made six saves in her 45 minutes of action.
 
The Bears return home for their next two games, facing Little Rock and UTSA this upcoming week. Central Arkansas hosts the Trojans on Thursday at 8 p.m. before facing the Roadrunners on Sunday at 1 p.m.