CONWAY, Ark. – Facing a perennial NCAA Tournament team in Missouri State, the Central Arkansas women's soccer team battled to a 1-0 loss Thursday night, staying scoreless for 65 minutes before surrendering the lone goal.
 
The Bears (3-4) finished nonconference play against arguably their toughest opponent to date, and played even soccer throughout the match.
 
Both sides started quickly, with Central Arkansas recording a shot on goal in the second minute, off the boot of Nina Mazzola, and Missouri State answering in kind a few minutes later, a shot that Anna Katheryn Harrell stopped. But then the size and athleticism of the Bears from Springfield started to show, and Missouri State was able to control possession for a chunk of the first half.
 
The Bears responded with a counterattack that led to shots from Trace Pavatt and Ava Ronsky, but both attempts stayed out of the net. Substitutions came in for both sides looking to make an impact, and Kayla Hurley's energy was contagious for the Bears, and the sophomore was able to get off a couple of shots late in the first half, but the teams went to the break scoreless.
 
Missouri State opened the second half with a couple of early threats, and slowly, the momentum started to swing in favor of the road team. The shift culminated in the only score of the match in the 65^th minute, as Missouri State was able to capitalize on a set piece deep in the home team's defensive third.
 
Central Arkansas continued to press forward, however, making several deep runs that ended a pass short, or a first touch that didn't pan out. Caroline Billings and Pavatt nearly connected on an opportunity late, but the play was killed after Pavatt's shot drifted left of the net.
 
Next up for the Bears is the start of ASUN play. Starting their fifth season in the ASUN, the Bears hit the road for the first one, playing at North Alabama on September 21^st.