CONWAY, Ark. – Playing at home for just the second time, the Central Arkansas men's soccer team picked up a 2-1 win over Bellarmine, rallying from down a score early.
 
The Bears (2-6-2, 1-0-1 ASUN) rallied to pick up a win against a very solid Bellarmine bunch, and stayed unbeaten both at home and in ASUN play. Even better for the Bears, the offense continues to produce, now with seven goals in the last five matches. Vaclav Kozeny and Devonte Richards tallied goals in the win.
 
Unfortunately for the Bears, an own goal in the eighth minute put the Knights up early, a defensive miscue that could have spelled trouble. But Central Arkansas went to work to equalize, making runs throughout the half and getting some shots on goal.
 
Central Arkansas put major pressure on in the final minutes of the half, resulting in a shot on goal from Kyle Schwartz and a shot that went high from Nicholas Rahman. A couple minutes later, Jonathan Sorto forced a save, and Shwartz missed the rebound. Finally, in the 44th minute, Rahman found Kozeny, who turned and scored to level the score just before the break.
 
The sides traded shots in the early stages of the second half, as both sides sought to break the tie and take the lead. Midway through the half, the Bears went back to their starters, subbing in some fresh legs to go the rest of the way. And the move paid off in spades, with the starters returning to put pressure on the Knights' goal. Kozeny almost gave himself a brace, banging a shot that forced another save by the Knights. After recovering possession, Richards found himself in a one-on-one situation against a defender a short distance outside the box. Making his move, he beat the defender and let a shot rip, bouncing it over the keeper and into the net to make it a 2-1 lead.
 
Up next, the Bears are back at home on Saturday, taking on the Lipscomb Bisons at 7 p.m. Central Arkansas will welcome back their alumni, celebrating Alumni Night against the Bisons.