The Central Arkansas Bears will kick off their 2026 men's soccer season on the road, heading to Des Moines, Iowa, where they open against Drake at Mediacom Stadium. The matchup marks the latest chapter in a rivalry that stretched from 2010 to 2018, offering both teams a chance to test their early-season form.
A Coach With Momentum
Head coach Kyle Segebart enters his second year at the helm after guiding the program to a 4-10-2 record in his debut season. Despite the modest win‑loss line, Segebart’s first year produced an undefeated stretch at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex and secured a spot in the ASUN Championship, where the Bears fell just short in the quarterfinals.
The roster retains several pivotal contributors from that 2025 run. Russian forward Maxim Sheenkov, who earned Second Team All-ASUN honors after netting four goals, returns to lead the attack. Defender Vaclav Kozeny, a freshman standout recognized on the ASUN All-Freshman Team, will add depth after recording two goals and an assist last year. Senior defenders Joseph Mwamba and Kaisei Matsudo also return, bringing experience to a back line that helped the team finish the regular season without a home defeat.
Goalkeeper Merrick Cook, who started seven games in 2025 and posted a 3-2-1 record with a .789 save percentage, is expected to anchor the defensive third. With the team’s home record standing at 5-0-4 during the previous regular season, the Bears hope to translate that comfort into a strong showing on the road.
Fans can watch the live broadcast on ESPN+, while live statistics will be available through the UCA Athletics website. The game represents both a test of the Bears’ early-season chemistry and a chance to measure progress against a program that has been a consistent opponent over the past decade.