NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite a scoreless first 60 minutes of action, the Belmont University men's soccer team was defeated 2-0 by the University of Central Arkansas Friday night at the Bill Stephens Soccer Complex in Conway, Arkansas. The host Bears (1-1-1) found the back of the net in the 64th minute and then again in the 70th minute, handing the Bruins (1-2-0) their first road loss of the season.
 
Belmont placed seven of its 12 shots on target, but Central Arkansas' goalkeeper Merrick Cook staved off each chance.
 
Earning their fair share of set-piece opportunities, the Bruins earned nine corner kicks but couldn't convert.
 
Just 15 minutes into the contest, sophomore midfielder Paul Claes Nielsen threatened from the top of the box with a strong strike. Belmont had an equally promising look 15 minutes into the second half following a fantastic feed by graduate midfielder Elijah John to senior forward Nathan Ferguson. However, Ferguson's header drifted wide left.
 
A settle and left-footed boot by the Bears' Dalton Anderson in the 64th minute put Central Arkansas in front.
 
Just moments later, graduate midfielder John McDowell nearly had an equalizer off a loose ball high in the penalty area.
 
The Bears capitalized once again in the 70th minute on a counterattack after a Bruin throw-in. Central Arkansas' Vaclav Kozeny received a long pass and scored from way outside in a one-on-one situation.
 
Claes Nielsen had another great look at goal in the 74th minute, but his shot was thwarted by the Bears' Cook in front of the net. An 84th-minute high header from fifth-year defender Nate Mefford was also halted.
 
Belmont's last real chance came at the 87th minute as freshman forward Aiden Pierpoint had a diving header that was pushed away.
 
Central Arkansas finished with 13 total shots, only four of which were on goal.
 
The Bruins and the Bears met on the pitch for the first time since Aug. 29, 2021, a match also played in Conway, Arkansas.
 
Up Next
Belmont has a week off from match play, returning to E.S. Rose Park next Friday to host former conference adversary Mercer. Kickoff from the Music City is slated for 6:30 p.m. All matches at Rose Park are free to attend.
 
How to Follow
Follow Belmont men's soccer on social media – @BelmontMSoccer on X, formerly Twitter, @belmontmsoccer on Instagram and Belmont University Men's Soccer on Facebook – for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.