CONWAY, Ark. - Central Arkansas (2-6-2) secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bellarmine (5-3-2) in a tightly contested match at Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon. The Bears snapped their three-game winless streak in front of 487 spectators.
Pietro Fontana put Central Arkansas ahead in the 8th minute with a well-placed strike. Bellarmine equalized through Jeffrey Cox in the 24th minute, but Kyle Schwartz netted what proved to be the winner for the Bears in the 36th minute after a period of sustained pressure.
The first half saw Central Arkansas control much of the early possession, with Aby Gomez testing the Bellarmine defense in the 23rd minute with a dangerous shot. The Bears' tactical approach paid dividends when Fontana opened the scoring. Bellarmine responded well to going behind, with Cox's equalizer coming from their first real chance of the match. The visitors grew into the game as the half progressed, forcing three corners before the break.
The second half featured increased intensity from both sides, with Nick Harshaw nearly putting Bellarmine ahead in the 74th minute. Central Arkansas goalkeeper Merrick Cook made several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop from Tate McCrery's attempt in the 84th minute. The Bears' defense, led by Maxim Sheenkov, held firm despite mounting pressure in the closing stages.
Statistically, Central Arkansas dominated the shot count, recording 15 attempts to Bellarmine's 7, with 8 and 4 on target respectively. The Bears also held a slight edge in corners (4-3). The physical nature of the match was evident in the cards shown, with Central Arkansas receiving yellows to Fontana (27th minute), Kaisei Matsudo (85th minute), and Cook (87th minute).
Individual performances shaped the outcome significantly. Fontana's goal and overall midfield presence stood out for Central Arkansas before his substitution. For Bellarmine, Johan Nissen-Lie's creative influence grew as the match progressed, while Cox's finishing proved clinical for their lone goal. Cook's six saves proved crucial in preserving the victory for the Bears.
Tactically, Central Arkansas's high-pressing approach disrupted Bellarmine's usual possession-based game, particularly effective in the first half. The Bears' strategy of quick transitions through Vaclav Kozeny and Lucas Shearer created numerous opportunities. Bellarmine's second-half adjustments, including pushing Brendan Schoemehl higher up the field, showed promise but ultimately couldn't produce an equalizer.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Central Arkansas, who had struggled to find wins this season. Their improved defensive organization, particularly in handling Bellarmine's late surge, suggests progress in Coach Ross Duncan's tactical implementation. For Bellarmine, the loss ends their two-game winning streak but showed resilience in their second-half performance.
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will aim to build on this momentum when they host Lipscomb on October 11, while Bellarmine returns home to face Queens (NC) on the same date. The Bears' ability to close out a tight match against a strong Bellarmine side could prove pivotal as they look to climb the conference standings.