RICHMOND, Ky. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team fought valiantly for 90 minutes, but came out on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision at Eastern Kentucky University Thursday afternoon.
In another match that featured a heavy offensive attack from both teams, it felt almost inevitable that the Bears would find a goal, but unfortunately, that was not the case Thursday. The Bears moved to 4-6-3 overall and 1-2-1 in UAC games with the result.
Both sides tested their opponent's keeper with a shot in the first ten minutes, and both were able to make a save. But EKU was able to capitalize on a transition opportunity shortly thereafter, finding an early goal to take a 1-0 lead. But Central Arkansas continued to push forward, and shots were coming from all across the attack, making the EKU keeper work to keep the Bears out of the net. Central Arkansas had an extended chance near the end of the half to equalize, earning several corner kicks with under ten minutes to go in the half. Unfortunately, the Bears just couldn't find the back of the net before the halftime horn sounded.
The teams combined for 18 shots in the first 45 minutes, and goalkeepers combined to save ten of the 11 shots on goal.
Central Arkansas came out of halftime needing an equalizer, and had plenty of confidence to go get one.
Caroline Billings put a shot up shortly after kickoff to start the second hf, forcing yet another save from the Colonel keeper. But as time wore on, and the game began to slow down and get more physical, the Bears found themselves needing to complete long passes, and the EKU defense was up for the challenge, making shots harder to come by in the second half. Central Arkansas continued to try to turn the tide, but EKU was able to waste the rest of the clock, securing a 1-0 final.
