CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team ended its non-conference slate with a draw at Southeast Missouri State, picking up a 1-1 result Sunday afternoon.
The Bears finished off the non-conference portion of the schedule with a 3-4-2 record after Sunday's result.
Liza Dugan notched her second goal to equalize for Central Arkansas, keeping the Bears level with the Redhawks.
It was the home team that got off the blocks quickly amid the midday heat, striking first after driving the ball deep into Bear territory and earning a throw-in in a dangerous spot. The throw was sent on into the box, where a Redhawk pushed it home to give SEMO the early 1-0 lead.
Makenna Adam and
Sophia Backstrom put together a few shots in the next few minutes in search of an equalizer, but the Redhawk defense did just enough to keep the score from happening. But as the Bears continued to pressure the home defense, and subs were put in for some fresh energy, the Bears seemed destined to find the goal they sought. Dugan came in as a substitute in the 31
st minute, replacing
Addison Griffey. Just 59 seconds later, a combination from
Ashlyn May to
Sakiko Manabe continued on to Dugan, who launched a shot from 30 yards over the outstretched keeper and into the net.
Tied at 1-1 at the break, both teams came out of halftime looking to establish control over the second half. SEMO seemed to have control early in the final 45, putting a corner kick and a shot on goal into the ledger, but
Anna Kathryn Harrell made a save to keep the score level.
The Bears controlled the middle portion of the second half, putting pressure on the Redhawk defense and letting loose on a few shots in search of a game-winner. But much like their own defense, the Bears found SEMO desperate to not surrender a score, and the game continued to flow without separation. SEMO put a bunch of attention in a final attack late in the match, even beating Harrell on a scrum in the box, but a Central Arkansas defender was also minding the net and kept the shot out, and eventually, the Bears were able to clear the danger and get to the final whistle.
Central Arkansas starts its first run in the United Athletic Conference on Thursday, hosting Tarleton State at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex at 7 p.m.
