21 Aug 2024 Bears fall at Tulsa in season opener
TULSA, Okla. –After lightning delays pushed the season opener to Friday, the Central Arkansas women’s soccer team fell in its 2024 debut at Tulsa, dropping a 5-2 decision.
The Bears had flashes of really good soccer, but the Tulsa offense found timely goals to control much of the momentum, especially in the second half. Eight Bears made their debut on Friday, including Sophia Backstrom, who earned the game one start, and delivered with her first collegiate goal.
Tulsa got the scoring started early in the first half, needing just five minutes to log the first goal. But the Bears responded quickly, with a great drive and cross from Anna Kerr landing at the feet of Backstrom, who punched it past the Golden Hurricane keeper for an early equalizer.
The sides would battle back and forth as the first half progressed, with each side getting some more chances as the clock continued moving. Megan Moudy put a shot off the woodwork in the 23rd minute, a great look that just didn’t curl down enough to sneak into the net. Lenja Kenstel was busy during the first half, making six saves during the first 45 minutes, and the teams went into the halftime break tied at 1-1.
But just like the first half opened, the Golden Hurricane opened the second half with a quick goal. This time, however, the Bears couldn’t answer before another Tulsa goal was scored, and Central Arkansas found itself down 3-1 shortly after the second half began. But the Bears continued to fight, answering a 53rd minute Tulsa goal with a 54th minute Central Arkansas goal. Kerr made a terrific run, timing it perfectly with a Kelly Van Gundy through ball, and Kerr’s sprint left her in a one-on-one situation with the Tulsa keeper, which she finished to cut the lead back to a single score. Two more goals from the home team, however, would end the chances of a comeback.
The Bears return to Conway for their home opener tonight, Aug. 22, facing Alcorn State at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex.
