LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Despite playing a man down for the last 30 minutes, Central Arkansas managed to hold off the Bellarmine University men's soccer team 2-1 in ASUN action Saturday night at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
Bellarmine (5-1-2, 1-1 ASUN) suffered its first loss of the season and first in the
Matt Cannady era. The Knights also saw their 15-game home unbeaten streak dating to 2024 snapped.
Although it trailed 2-1, Bellarmine was in a highly favorable position to at least even the contest when a Central Arkansas player was issued a red card in the 61st minute. A little over a minute later, Bears head coach Kyle Segebart was ejected after receiving a red card.
Despite the disadvantage, Central Arkansas (5-2-1, 2-0) was able to hold off the Knights. The biggest play came in the 79th minute as UCA goalkeeper Merrick Cook stopped a penalty kick. The Bears did an adept job of bleeding the clock as well.
Central Arkansas opened the scoring in the final minute of the first half on a goal by Maxim Sheenkov.
Less than five minutes into the second half, Bellarmine answered as senior defender
James Gardev connected with sophomore defender
Gavin Crowe for the equalizer. It was Crowe's second goal of the season.
Central Arkansas regained the lead four minutes later on a goal by Vaclav Kozeny, which turned out to be the game-winner.
Bellarmine had a 14-10 advantage in shots, including a 6-5 edge on goal. UCA had a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Bellarmine will play at 8 p.m. (ET) Saturday, Sept. 26, at West Florida.
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