CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas men's soccer team opened its season on the wrong end of a 3-0 decision at Portland. The Bears had some good runs throughout the match, but couldn't find the end result.
 
The Bears (0-1) battled back and forth with the Pilots in the first half, and despite driving deep into the home team's side of the field, struggled to find that last pass or angle to get good shots. Portland, on the other hand, let loose from all over the place, taking shots from inside and out in an effort to scratch in the first score. Javier Ramirez's reactions were on point, however, and the Spaniard was able to keep a clean sheet for most of the first half.
 
The Pilots' persistence would pay off in the 36^th minute, as the home team finally found a finish. Central Arkansas tried to make an effort in equalizing before the halftime whistle, but was unable to make much of a move.
 
Central Arkansas made its best push to start the second half, securing possession after a Portland foul and finding Pietro Fontana for a shot on goal, but it was saved by the Pilot keeper. Portland continued the pressure up top, and in the middle of the second half, found two more scores to build a three-goal advantage.
 
As time wound down, the Portland plan seemed to be fouling the Bears to waste precious seconds; the Pilots committed seven fouls in the final ten minutes, often against defenders after failed attacks, preventing Central Arkansas from pressing the advantage or moving forward in counter attacks.
 
The Bears play one more time on the West Coast, heading a little way south to play UC Santa Barbara on Monday. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CT.