Box Score CONWAY, Ark. – An eighth-minute goal by the University of Central Arkansas proved to be the difference in a solo score road non-conference match for the Belmont University men's soccer team Sunday evening at the Bill Stephens Soccer Complex in Conway, Arkansas.
Despite doling out some pressure offensively in the first few minutes, the Bruins (0-2-0) were limited to only three shots for the evening, all of which came in the second half of play. None connecting on target, Belmont struggled to find its offensive rhythm while the Bruins' defense began to shine midway through the first half.
The host Bears (2-0-0), who entered Sunday's match fresh off a four-goal performance this past Thursday in a season-opening home victory, took an early 1-0 lead that it would not relinquish. Central Arkansas midfielder Karim Diao chipped a ball into the penalty box, drawing senior goalkeeper Drew Romig out in front of the goal area as defender Vicent Abaso punched it in to the lower left just 7:43 into the match.
The two teams would ride their defensive lines for the remainder of the half with only the one scoring shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes of play. Belmont did not have a shot in the first half as the Bears racked up eight shots and three corners.
A much more even second half ensued, and the Bruins got three looks at knotting up the score. None were more promising than senior forward Liam O'Brien's attempt in the 79th minute. Following a fantastic feed from senior defender Jack Shaw after a throw-in, O'Brien barely missed an equalizing header that went just wide right of pole.
Belmont's first and only corner kick of the evening came in the 85th minute and was quickly headed out of the box by a UCA defender.
Limiting the Bears to four second-half shots and one corner, Romig came up with a pair of saves. Midfielder Rubyn Gill accounted for two of UCA's three shots on goal and finished with four total shots.
Both squads received a yellow card in the second half with the Bears' Diao being carded in the 75th minute and Shaw in the 76th.
Up Next
The Bruins return to the Music City this upcoming week for a three-game homestand beginning Thursday evening when Belmont welcomes Big South Conference member UNC Asheville to E.S. Rose Park. The home opener is slated for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
