UCA soccer team lists schedule

The University of Central Arkansas men’s soccer team and Head Coach Ross Duncan recently announced the schedule for the 2020 campaign.

UCA returns to the pitch on the road for an exhibition against Lipscomb on Aug. 14. The Bears will have home exhibitions against Lyon College on Aug. 18, followed by a matchup against Tulsa on Aug. 20. 

The 2020 regular season kicks off on Aug. 28, with a home contest with an opponent to be announced at a later date. 

The Bears take to the road on Aug. 31 for a matchup against Missouri State. Last season, Missouri State reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament and finished the season ranked No. 16 with a record of 18-1-1. 

UCA then returns to the friendly confines of the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex for two matches. On Sept. 4, the Bears take on Air Force, followed by a matchup with Loyola Marymount on Sept. 7. LMU played in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and finished the season with an 11-6-3 record while it received votes in the final poll of the season.

Central Arkansas heads to Texas for a two-match road trip beginning with a contest against UIW on Sept. 11. The Bears finish the weekend at Houston Baptist on Sept. 13. 

The Bears welcome UAB to Conway on Sept. 19, followed by a contest against UTRGV on Sept. 22. 

UCA will travel to Tulsa for a matchup against ORU on Sept. 26. Last season, ORU finished with a record of 13-4 and reached the Summit Conference Championship.

Central Arkansas will host Memphis on Sept. 29. Last season, UCA defeated Memphis on the road by a score of 4-1. Memphis finished the regular season with a 10-7 record. 

The Bears hit the road on Oct. 4 for a matchup with UMKC. 

UCA opens Sun Belt play with a road contest against Howard on Oct. 10. The Bears won last season’s matchup, 4-1.

Central Arkansas will battle Georgia Southern in the Sun Belt home opener on Oct. 17. 

The Bears close out the nonconference portion of the schedule with a road trip to Dallas. UCA will face SMU on Oct. 20. Last season, SMU won the American Athletic Conference Championship and reached the NCAA Quarterfinals with an overall record of 18-2-2. The Mustangs finished 2019 ranked No. 7 in the nation. 

UCA stays on the road for a conference matchup with Appalachian State on Oct. 24. Central Arkansas will host Georgia State on Oct. 31 for the home finale.

The Bears conclude the season with the defending Sun Belt Tournament Champion, Coastal Carolina, on Nov. 6. The Chants posted a 10-8-3 record and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament while they received votes in the final NCAA poll.