JONESBORO, Ark. (8/23/26) – Arkansas State (0-2-1) soccer dueled Central Arkansas (0-2-1) into an action-packed finale with three goals in the final seven minutes to end in a 2-2 draw Sunday evening at the A-State Soccer Complex.

A heavy defensive presence throughout the first half, Central Arkansas shot the ball seven times in the first half, but only managed one that stayed between the sticks, saved by senior Taylor Sweat. A-State only managed a pair of shots themselves, a soft header from Anne Crotwell finding the UCA keeper’s gloves, and an off-target kick from Elleigh Newcomb.

Central Arkansas took the second half by storm with a lapse in defense allowing a quick score for the lead for the Bears. The Red Wolves struggled to maintain momentum in the attacking half, not logging a shot attempt until the 75th minute.

As pressure mounted, a free kick played into the box stopped play after UCA committed a yellow in the penalty box. Lu Flores stepped up to take the penalty kick, driving it to the right side of the net past the keeper’s hands, equalizing at the turn of the 83rd minute. Less than four minutes later, pressure from a quick counterattack set up a clear shot at the top of the box allowing the Bears to retake the lead with just three minutes left. A wayward Central Arkansas goal kick put A-State in an advantageous position, pressing into the right corner for a volley into the box by Zoie Kempf. Kempf’s ball landed and ricocheted off of freshman Maddy Tapley’s head for her first career goal, equalizing once again for Arkansas State with less than 90 seconds remaining.

UP NEXT

A-State is set to host Stephen F. Austin on Thursday, August 27 with first kick timed to 4 p.m.

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