FLORENCE, Ala. (October 24, 2024) – The University of North Alabama soccer team brings Central Arkansas to the Cox Creek Sports Complex, Saturday Oct. 26 for the final game of the season.  his will be Senior Day for the Lions, as eight seniors will graduate from the program this season.  
 
Fans can follow along through live stats which will be available at RoarLions.com via StatBroadcast. Fans can also watch the broadcast on ESPN+ with X Sports Network's very own A.J. Good alongside Amy Butler Bailey on the call. 
 
MATCHUP
North Alabama vs. Central Arkansas
Saturday, October 26
1 p.m.
Florence, Ala. – Cox Creek Sports Complex
2500 Chisholm Rd., Florence, AL  35630
                                              
LIVE STATS |ESPN+ | GAME NOTES
 
NOTES
 
SERIES HISTORY: This will be the 12th all-time meeting between the two teams. The Lions are 4-6-1 in this matchup with the first matchup coming in 1998. UNA won 3-0 in Conway. Eight matchups came from 1998-2005 before the two picked the series back up as Atlantic Sun Conference opponents. The previous two games ended in a tie and a loss to the Bears; both were held in Conway.
 
SENIOR SATURDAY: The Lions have eight seniors exiting the program at the end of the season. The eight include defenders Malin Andersson, Montana Merkle and Saniya Johnson; forwards Haley Patterson, Hope Lensing and Abby Patterson; midfielder Kellie Hovis and goalkeeper Piper Gallaher. This group of seniors has combined for 261 games played, 139 starts, 113 shots, 10 assists and seven made goals. All eight players have spent a combined 24 years on campus. 
 
ABOUT LAST GAME: UNA dropped its final ASUN road game of the season Sunday afternoon, as the Lions fell to Stetson 2-1 in DeLand, Fla. Stetson got out quickly on UNA as the Eagles scored their first goal in the 13th minute. The Hatters added another goal in the 77th minute to jump to a 2-0 lead. The Lions notched a goal in the 89th minute thanks to a penalty kick goal by sophomore midfielder Giada Aldini. This came after a red card penalty was assessed to starting goalkeeper Ashleigh Wise. This was North Alabama's second make on three penalty kicks this season. UNA outshout SU in the first half shot column with a six to four advantage. UNA went on to finish with eight shots and three on goal. The Lions got back to their typical offensive scheme, finding the corner 10 times to set up their sets; six came in the first half. 
 
SCOUTING THE BEARS: The Bears boast an 8-6-2 overall with a 7-1-2 conference record which is best for second in the ASUN. Previously they played Florida Gulf Coast, who is first in the ASUN, where they lost 2-1 in Fort Myers. Before that, they won their previous two over Stetson and Jacksonville. In their opening five games of the season and including the FGCU game, they lost all six while being out-cornered 35-22. 
 
SENIOR SHOWCASE: Senior forward Haley Patterson has kicked it into second gear as conference play continues. On the season, she has 30 total shots with 15 shots on goal. She leads all other Lions by 12 in shots and doubles the next closest teammate in SOG. Most notably, she contributed 22 of her 30 shots in ASUN play alone. Ten of her 15 shots came against conference opponents, both are team highs for the year.
 
FUTURE IS BRIGHT: The latest recruiting class is already paying dividends for Walker as several have already contributed in playing time. Freshmen such as midfielders Anna Fugarino, Gizelle El Assal and Emerson Nieroda have all made starts on the year and played in at least 14 or more games. Others that have contributed to the season are forwards Abigail Witten and Ella Remy and defender Langley Wallace. Wallace, El Assal, Nieroda and Fugarino have a combined 21 starts for the season with El Assal leading the way at seven.

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