Soccer

Central Arkansas Men’s Soccer Set for First-Ever Clash with Utah Valley

Season opener against Drake fuels optimism as Bears travel to Orem for a midnight kickoff

The University of Central Arkansas men's soccer squad is set to meet Utah Valley for the first time in program history, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time on [date] in Orem, Utah. The Bears will travel to the UCCU Stadium for a midnight local start, a slot chosen to accommodate television partners and fans across the country.

Central Arkansas arrives with a 0‑0‑1 record after opening the season with a hard‑fought draw against Drake. Coach Kyle Segebart is eager to translate that performance into a road victory, which would mark the Bears' first win of the campaign and give the team early momentum.

A Midnight Kickoff in Orem

Utah Valley, under first‑year head coach Michael Chesler, will be looking to translate preseason promise into a debut win. The Wolverines have been training intensively in the weeks leading up to the match, and their coaching staff believes the new system can produce immediate results.

Among the key contributors for the Bears are senior forward Maxim Sheenkov, who will be aiming to add to his goal tally after a strong showing against Drake, and midfielders Rico Duggan and Kyle Schwartz, both of whom recorded two shots in the opener. Defender Logan Smith logged an assist and 65 minutes off the bench, while senior goalkeeper Merrick Cook posted a .750 save percentage with three saves, positioning him as a reliable last line of defense.

Segebart emphasized the importance of discipline and execution, noting that the team's preparation has focused on maintaining possession and capitalizing on set‑piece opportunities. He also highlighted the need for the Bears to stay organized against a Utah Valley side that will be looking to exploit its home‑field advantage.

The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, with real‑time statistics available on the broadcast platform, giving viewers an in‑depth look at the action from the moment the whistle blows.

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