CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team is back at home for its next match, taking on Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday. The Bears and Golden Lions square off at 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex.
 
The Bears (2-3) dropped a heartbreaker last time out, falling 2-3 to Little Rock in the Governor's I-40 Showdown. Leading 2-1 at half, Centra Arkansas couldn't match the aggression and intensity of the Trojans, who were able to string together two more scores in the second half to complete the comeback.
 
Kayla Hurley and Lea Duus Madsen scored the two goals for the Bears, logging their first goals of the season. Megan Moudy notched an assist, her third of the season, which ranks second in the ASUN. Jama Akpanudo also logged an assist in the match against the Trojans, her first of the year.
 
The Bears and Golden Lions haven't seen each other since 2021, when the Bears dominated an 8-0 win at the Bill Stephens Complex. Central Arkansas outshot UAPB 41-1, with a 22-0 shot on goal advantage.
 
UAPB enters the week 1-2, with a win over Lyon College in the books this season. The Golden Lions have played two Division I opponents, falling 7-0 to Little Rock, and losing 4-0 to Hampton. Most recently, against the Pirates, the Golden Lions held strong for most of the first half, surrendering the first score shortly before the break. The Pirates then struck twice more very early in the second half, ultimately pulling away.
 
The Golden Lions have two goals scored this season, both against Lyon College. Arie Parker has one goal and one assist, assisting Peighton Hardy's game-winner. In goal, Makaila Riedel has played every minute between the pipes, making 27 saves over the first three matches.
 
Kickoff on Thursday is set for 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. The match  will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available online. As always, admission to Central Arkansas soccer matches is free of charge.