CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas women's soccer team opens United Athletic Conference play on Thursday, hosting Tarleton State at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex. Kickoff against the Texans is set for 7 p.m.
 
The Bears (3-4-2) closed the non-conference portion of the schedule with a 1-1 draw at SEMO this past Sunday. Central Arkansas had to show some guts against the Redhawks, fighting through a sunny, steamy Sunday after giving up an early goal to fight back to even and hold on for the draw. Missing several starters, the Bears evened the game on a Liza Dugan longball, and despite several chances for both sides, the match stayed locked at 1-1.
 
Central Arkansas enters a new era on Thursday with its first UAC match, and it starts with the Texans. The Bears leave the ASUN, having clinched postseason berths in all but one season, and several appearances in ASUN Semifinals. A new face for the Bears in the UAC, Central Arkansas and Tarleton State have never faced off on the pitch, the only team on the schedule in the UAC that Central Arkansas has never faced.
 
Tarleton State (2-2-5) is unbeaten in its five matches, winning the two most recent matches after drawing three straight. Last time out, the Texans defeated Texas Southern 2-1 in a match that saw Tarleton State outshoot the Tigers 20-8. The Texans led 1-0 at halftime before scoring the second goal of the night in the 65^th minute.
 
The Texans have two of the most dangerous offensive players in the UAC this season in Jessica Baires and Zahra Friess. Friess leads the team with four goals through non-conference, while Baires has been a terrific playmaker, leading the team with six assists.
 
Kickoff against the Texans is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday. The game will not be live streamed, but live stats will be available online. As always, attendance at Central Arkansas soccer matches is free.