CONWAY, Ark. (October 17, 2026) – The University of North Alabama soccer team will extend its travels in Arkansas to play against Central Arkansas of the United Athletic Conference Red Division on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Live stats will be available at RoarLions.com via StatBroadcast. The game will be broadcast and streamed via ESPN+.
MATCHUP
North Alabama at Central Arkansas
Sunday, October 18
1 p.m.
Conway, Arkansas – Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex
Live Stats | ESPN+
NOTES
ABOUT LAST GAME: The Lions earned one point on the road against Little Rock on Thursday night with a 1-1 draw. This was the first-ever meeting between the Lions and Trojans. Senior Alana Owens received an inlet pass from junior Anna Fugarino that led to the 21st minute goal. This was Owens' second goal of the season and Fugarino's third assist. Little Rock answered four minutes later with a goal from Megan Rogan to tie the game. Little Rock held the Lions to one corner in the second half. North Alabama had 60 percent of its shots on target, with nine finding the frame. The Lions' defense held the Trojans to a mere two shots on goal.
SERIES HISTORY: This is the 15th all-time meeting between North Alabama and Central Arkansas dating back to 1998. A familiar foe from the Gulf South Conference, the Lions have a 6-7-1 record when battling the Bears. Since the start of the Division I era, UNA has a 2-3-1 record with both wins coming in 2025.
SCOUTING THE BEARS: Central Arkansas currently stands second in the UAC Red Division with a conference record of 3-2-1 and 10 points in the bracket. Most recently, the Bears defeated UAC Blue Division opponents Austin Peay (2-0) and West Georgia (3-1). Their two conference losses have come from Eastern Kentucky (1-0) and Tarleton State (2-1). Overall, the Bears are 6-6-3 on the season with wins over Alabama State (7-0), UT Martin (1-0) and Nevada (1-0). Leading the Bears is senior forward Caroline Billings with seven goals and three assists on the year. Assist leaders include junior forward Jama Akpanudo (6) and Preseason All-UAC midfielder Sakiko Manabe (5).
RED DIVISION: The meeting between UNA and Central Arkansas marks another UAC "crossover" game for the Lions, the first few being against Abilene Christian, Tarleton State and Little Rock last week. The newly formed eight-team conference is split into a pair of four-team divisions. UNA competes in the Blue Division with Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay and West Georgia, while Abilene Christian joins Tarleton State, Central Arkansas and Little Rock in the Red Division. Teams play each opponent within their division twice – once at home and once away – and each team from the opposite division once.
POSTSEASON POWER: For the UAC Tournament, the top team in each division earns a bye to the semifinals. Central Arkansas will host the conference tournament, beginning with first-round matches on Sunday, Nov. 8. The semifinals will be played Wednesday, Nov. 11, followed by the championship match Saturday, Nov. 14. The Lions can clinch a spot in the tournament with a win over Central Arkansas on Sunday and a West Georgia loss to Tarleton State.
NEXT GAME: The Lions earn a week of rest before they hit the road to play against Eastern Kentucky for the second time this season on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
