Belmont University’s men’s soccer team will travel to Conway, Arkansas, on Friday, August 28, to face Central Arkansas in a non‑conference showdown scheduled for 7:00 p.m., a match that will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Bruins arrive fresh off a 6‑1 victory at Wright State last Sunday, a win that featured a brace from sophomore midfielder Paul Claes Nielsen and a quick strike from Nate Mefford just 90 seconds into the second half.
Central Arkansas opened the scoring in the first 62 seconds, but Belmont answered back in the 22nd minute, setting the tone for a high‑tempo contest.
First‑half fireworks
Belmont erupted for four goals in the opening half, matching the most prolific first‑half output since a 4‑0 win over Southern Indiana in September 2023, and the burst put the Bruins firmly in control.
Goalkeeper Brody Sucher, a freshman making his second start, recorded four saves, underscoring the team’s defensive stability despite the early goal conceded.
The second half saw Mefford extend the lead within the first minute of play, sealing a 6‑1 final score that also featured a second goal from Nielsen, his first career brace.
The encounter marks the eighth meeting between the two programs, four of which have been decided in overtime, highlighting a historically competitive series.
Belmont’s near miss on the Missouri Valley Conference regular‑season title last year adds extra motivation, as the Bruins look to translate early momentum into conference dominance.
Meanwhile, Central Arkansas finished second in the ASUN Gold Division in 2025, with senior forward Maxim Sheenkov contributing the lone goal in their previous campaign, and will be eager to rebound after a disappointing season.
The broadcast on ESPN+ will give viewers across the United States a chance to follow the action, with analysts expecting a tight contest despite Belmont’s early advantage.