CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team ended its UAC Championship Sunday afternoon, falling in Penalties to North Alabama and ending its season.
The Bears (7-6-7) drew 1-1 after 110 minutes of action, then couldn't match the Lions at the penalty spot to advance to Wednesday's semifinal round.
Ashlyn May notched the goal for the Bears in the draw.
Both offenses had opportunities in the first half, with both teams logging multiple shots throughout the opening minutes of the match, and continuing to go back and forth through the first 45. Central Arkansas had nine shots compared to North Alabama's five in the first half, and for times, it felt inevitable that the Bears would score before the midway point.
But after being scoreless at halftime, the teams opened the second in virtually the same way, with both sides producing chances and getting shots up. Finally, with a ball deep in Lion territory, a North Alabama player tried to turn and fire a ball out of danger. But May, who was attacking from the backside, had the clearance deflect right off of her and into the net, giving the Bears the 1-0 lead in the 59
th minute.
The Bears continued to pepper the North Alabama defense with drives and shots, and several times before the 75
th minute, had opportunities to add to the lead. But with five minutes to go in regulation, a Lion was able to get just enough of a poke on a cross to deflect the ball off the post and into the net, tying the game and giving life to the Lions.
Two overtime periods came and went with only one shot between the teams, and the PK shootout fell in favor of North Alabama, ending the Bears' season and UAC Championship run.
