CONWAY, Ark. — The Bellarmine University men's soccer team exchanged first-half goals with Central Arkansas in playing to a 1-1 draw Saturday night in their ASUN opener at the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.

Senior defender Brock Pope tallied the goal for Bellarmine (1-1-4, 0-0-1 ASUN), which recorded its fourth stalemate in six matches. Sophomore midfielder Ben Griffis notched an assist against Central Arkansas (1-4-2, 0-0-1).

A lot about the match was even. In addition to registering one goal apiece, both teams attempted nine shots, and each finished with three shots on goal.

Bellarmine opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Griffis found Pope near the 6 as he streaked toward the goal, and Pope redirected the cross inside the near post for a 1-0 lead.

Central Arkansas had an impressive goal as well to knot it at 1 in the 34th minute. Sohma Ichikawa and Pietro Fontana had a double assist on the play, the latter on a nifty back-tap in the box to Andres Robles that created misdirection and led to Robles sinking an open look.

While neither team scored again, both had their chances. Bellarmine couldn't capitalize on a pair of rebound chances within a few feet of the goal. One of the opportunities was created after UCA's goalkeeper made a diving save on a header off a set piece by junior midfielder Brendan Schoemehl.

Central Arkansas saw a penalty kick in the 73rd minute sail high. Bellarmine senior goalkeeper Matthew Brozovich also had a leaping, fingertip knock-away on a strong shot by the Bears in the half.

Bellarmine will host Lipscomb in an ASUN match at 7 p.m. (ET) Saturday.

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