CONWAY, Ark. – Looking to bounce back at home, the Central Arkansas men's soccer team welcomes a formidable Florida International team to Conway. Playing a night game on Sunday, kickoff against the Panthers is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex.
 
The Bears (3-2) are coming off a tough loss at home against Missouri State. A gritty, chippy match saw Central Arkansas drop its first home loss of the year, falling 2-0. The challenge continues at home as the Bears welcome in an FIU team that has also seen a tough nonconference schedule.
 
Central Arkansas has relied a lot more on defense this season, and getting it from a number of sources. Kevin Ventura and Elijah Bishop have led a defensive back line that holds three shutouts this season, and goalkeeper Javier Ramirez has been electric in goal, making 32 saves while allowing just five goals so far this season.
 
FIU enters the match 1-3-1, but most recently picked up a win over No. 10 UCF. Central Arkansas is the first non-ranked opponent for the Panthers since August 26^th. The Panthers had a three-game stretch playing No. 17 UNC, No. 16 Georgetown and No. 10 UCF. FIU went 1-1-1 in those matches, dropping the result to North Carolina, tying Georgetown and defeating UCF.
 
The Panthers have needed similar defensive intensity as the Bears, with only five goals scored in five matches so far this season, of which four were scored against UCF. In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has been spectacular, making 33 saves and allowing eight goals, owning one shutout against Georgetown.
 
Kickoff against the Panthers is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, with live stats available online. As always, admission to Central Arkansas soccer is free.