CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team fell short against Missouri State Tuesday night, falling 2-0 in a hard-fought match.
 
The Bears drop to 3-2 on the year, and lose their first home game so far this season. It was a difference in styles on Tuesday, with the home team playing a more direct approach, while the visiting Bears played a patient waiting game before striking twice.
 
Both sides exchanged shots on goal early in the match. After repelling the visitors, the Bears drove down and found Tajio James for a strike in the 10^th minute, but his shot was saved. Missouri State was content spinning the ball from side to side in the offensive third, waiting for the right shot to take, but for the bulk of the first half, Central Arkansas' defense held. Finally, a busted play allowed Missouri State to get the ball all the way to the touch line and cross it in, finding their first goal in the 34^th minute.
 
The home Bears would try to equalize before the break, but couldn't find the range to get a clean look. As the second half started, things began to get chippy as both sides sought the back of the net. Charles-Emile Brunet had a look in the 54^th minute, but his attempt was blocked before it could threaten the goal.
 
Central Arkansas would take several more shots throughout the second half, but struggled to get them on target. Then, after a red card on the Bears, Missouri State found its second goal, taking a 2-0 lead in the 74^th. Missouri State would then get a red card in the 86^th minute, but Central Arkansas couldn't take advantage of the opened field to get on the board.
 
The Bears now look ahead to next Sunday, where the team hosts Florida International. Kickoff against the Panthers is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex.