LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University men's soccer team will face another nationally recognized ASUN opponent when the Knights travel to new league member Central Arkansas for a 1 p.m. (ET) contest Saturday.

Central Arkansas (6-1, 1-0 ASUN) is receiving votes in the top 25 poll, and in addition, is ranked No. 3 in the Atlantic Region. Bellarmine (4-2-1, 0-1) is rated No. 8 in the same region and opened its ASUN slate against Lipscomb, which is now ranked 18th nationally and remains atop the Atlantic.

LAST TIME OUT
Bellarmine nicely recovered from a 2-1 overtime loss to Lipscomb with a 1-0 nonconference win Tuesday at IUPUI.

Junior midfielder Haziq Zed scored a highlight-reel goal in the 75th minute off an assist from sophomore forward Nolan McGrath. Bellarmine's defense recorded its third shutout of the season.

"It was a great response from the team on Tuesday against IUPUI after a heartbreaking loss on Saturday to Lipscomb," Knights Coach Tim Chastonay said. "We had some really good moments on Tuesday but also had stretches where IUPUI was in control. It was big for us not to concede when we were not at our best and under a good deal of pressure."

ABOUT CENTRAL ARKANSAS
In its first season in the ASUN, Central Arkansas hasn't wasted any time in making a strong impression. The Bears captured a 1-0 win at North Florida in their conference debut.

Central Arkansas preceded the UNF game with a 3-2 home victory over Memphis. Before that, the Bears won their first four games of the season, including three straight 1-0 triumphs, before falling 2-1 at Missouri State marking their only setback thus far.

Alberto Suarez has already amassed six goals, including three game-winners. Vicent Abaso has collected three goals. Zach Schawl has registered four shutouts in goal.

"Central Arkansas looks really good, and they are off to a great start," Chastonay said. "This program has been successful in the past with numerous trips to the NCAA Tournament. They don't allow a lot of goals and have some solid players in the attack. We will certainly have our hands full on Saturday."

LOOKING LIKE HIMSELF
On his goal, Zed met McGrath's cross in stride and leapt to settle a high hop on the pass. The ball took another high hop after Zed knocked it down, and he struck it just before it hit the ground, rifling a shot inside the far post for the eventual game-winner.

It was a dynamic play by last season's ASUN All-Conference selection and this season's ASUN Preseason All-Conference pick, who has been banged up but definitely looked back to form on the goal. 

"I was very happy for Haziq to get his first goal of the season," Chastonay said. "He has been battling injuries all season and we have missed his play in the attack all year. It was a great finish and showed his skill and finishing ability. The build-up to the goal on the counterattack and pass from Nolan McGrath was terrific as well."

A CLAP FOR THE BACK
With D2 All-American Eddie Williamson and Jonas Skulstad, Bellarmine's first-ever recipient of D1 All-Region accolades, having graduated, the Knights' back line was its biggest question mark leading into the season.

In addition to three shutouts, Bellarmine has allowed more than one goal only once — and nationally ranked Lipscomb needed overtime to do it.

Senior Nate Girao, juniors Jackson Kirn and Joey Gladys, sophomores Brock Pope and Max Vinberg and freshman Rikard Cederberg are off to a commendable start along with senior Greg Fischer, who has shifted back from the midfield when needed.

"I am definitely pleased with how our back line has performed up to this point," Chastonay said. "Dealing with the losses to graduation last year, we were not sure how this group would come together. Nate Girao and Greg Fischer have provided great leadership to the other young guys. We still have a long way to go, but the staff has been pleased with their progress to this point."

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