LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Central Arkansas men's soccer (5-2-1, 2-0 ASUN) outlasted Bellarmine, 2-1, despite playing a man down for the final 29 minutes.
Both teams started the game struggling to create chances in the attacking third. Central Arkansas generated some early pressure after Vaclav Kozeny looked to find Kyle Schwartz with a pass across the Knights' back line, but a Bellarmine defender cleared the ball away. As the first half went back and forth with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the attack, Central Arkansas remained composed and began to control possession as the half drew to a close.
Maxim Sheenkov struck for the first goal of the game in the 44th minute, sending a shot from deep in the Knights' third into the back of the net. Vaclav Kozeny and Danny Nava were each credited with an assist, marking the first assist of the season for both players and the first of Nava's collegiate career.
Bellarmine answered early in the second half with an equalizer in the 49th minute from Gavin Crowe after the Knights created a transition opportunity down the near side of the field. Logan Smith made a strong defensive effort to block the shot, getting a slight touch on the ball, but it was not enough to alter its trajectory as it found the back of the net.
The Bears quickly regained the lead just four minutes later when Kozeny found the back of the net for the fourth time this season after receiving a pass from Sheenkov. As the pressure went back on Bellarmine to tie the game, the pace of the match picked up, but Central Arkansas was reduced to ten men in the 61st minute.
Despite being down a player, the Bears remained composed and slowed the pace of the match. Bellarmine struggled to create quality chances, finding opportunities down the near side but having difficulty connecting on through balls into the middle. Joseph Mwamba also made two key defensive plays to close down Bellarmine attackers and prevent scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeper Merrick Cook continued his strong play, finishing with five saves, including a crucial penalty-kick save in the 78th minute to preserve the Bears' 2-1 lead.
With the win, Central Arkansas moves to 2-0 in conference play and will look for its third ASUN victory when it returns home to face Jacksonville on September 26 at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, with live statistics available online.
