DALLAS, Texas — Central Arkansas men's soccer (6-5-2, 3-1-1 ASUN) fell to top-ranked SMU 5-2 on Tuesday night in Dallas.
SMU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the fourth minute after Stephan Soghomonian found the back of the net. Soghomonian also scored both goals for the Mustangs when the two teams met last season. SMU controlled much of the first half, limiting Central Arkansas' opportunities to get into the attacking third. Despite conceding early, the Bears' defense held its ground against the top-ranked Mustangs, who did not find their second goal until the 43rd minute, when redshirt junior Andre Philibbosian scored.
Central Arkansas got on the board in the final minute of the first half when Kaisei Matsudo headed home a pass from Rico Duggan to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Bears came out of the break looking to build momentum, and Samuel Switzer found the back of the net in the 48th minute to even the score at 2-2. The goal was Switzer's first of his collegiate career, while Logan Smith earned the assist, his third of the season. Smith is now tied with four other Bears for the team lead in assists.
SMU regained the lead in the 52nd minute when Soghomonian converted a penalty kick to make it 3-2. He added his third goal of the night in the 75th minute to complete his hat trick and extend the Mustangs' lead to 4-2.
Central Arkansas had limited opportunities to get into the attacking third, but Michael Walenchok nearly created another scoring chance in transition after receiving a pass from Duggan. Walenchok put a shot on goal but was called offside. Garner Wolfe also came close to cutting into the deficit in the 76th minute, firing a shot from outside the box that sailed just over the crossbar.
SMU added its fifth goal in the 79th minute through Landon Hickman. Despite conceding five goals, the Bears had several notable defensive performances. Joseph Mwamba repeatedly disrupted SMU's attacks in transition and helped Central Arkansas regain possession. Goalkeeper Merrick Cook finished with a career-high 11 saves, while SMU recorded 16 shots on target out of 26 total attempts.
With two goals against SMU, Central Arkansas became the only team to score multiple goals against the Mustangs this season. The Bears also scored more goals in this match than they had across their previous nine meetings with SMU.
Central Arkansas returns to the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex on Sunday for its final home match of the season against Queens at 7 p.m. The match will stream live on ESPN+, with live statistics available online.
