FLORENCE, Ala. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team dropped it's ASUN opener Sunday afternoon, falling 1-0 at North Alabama.
 
After a lengthy weather delay, the Bears (3-5, 0-1 ASUN) opened quickly, establishing possession and owning the ball in the offensive third. But despite the pressure and three shots in the first ten minutes, the Bears were unable to capitalize on the early opportunities.
 
North Alabama countered over the next several minutes, earning itself a couple of corner kicks and a couple of shots, the third of which found the back of the net in the 12^th minute. Offensive pressure was pretty even throughout the rest of the first half, with both sides logging plenty of looks at goal over the first 45 minutes. Lea Duus Madsen and Jama Akpanudo both had looks late in the period, but the North Alabama keeper stayed in front to send her side to the break up 1-0.
 
Both defenses really settled in in the second half, limiting action in the middle of the field and forcing each other to build from the sidelines. Over the final 45 minutes, there were 39 throw-ins between the teams, forcing both sides to restart play over and over. As a result, both sides struggled to move the ball and generate quality looks, with only four combined shots in the second half. The Bears had three shots on frame in the middle stages of the half, but all three were saved by the Lion keeper. North Alabama took the last shot of the game at the 77-minute mark, and from there, the Bears couldn't find an equalizing opportunity.
 
Central Arkansas is back on the pitch on Thursday, heading east to play the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT.