FGCU men’s soccer players in action during a home match at Pickering Field. The Eagles return to Fort Myers on Saturday, Oct. 24, to host Stetson University in their home finale. (Photo: Zachary Gibbons / The Eagle Sports Report)

CONWAY, Ark. — The Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer team suffered a lopsided ASUN Conference defeat Saturday night, falling 6-0 to the University of Central Arkansas at the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.

Central Arkansas (6-4-2, 3-0-1 ASUN) took an early lead 4:27 into the match on an own goal by the Eagles’ defense. FGCU (5-6-3, 1-3-2 ASUN) tried to equalize 28 seconds later on a shot by Brooks Beeman that was saved by Bears’ goalkeeper Merrick Cook. The Eagles’ defense faltered again in the 21st minute with another own goal before Kyle Schwartz extended UCA’s lead to 3-0 in the 30th minute, a margin the Bears carried into halftime.

UCA expanded its lead after the break. In the 64th minute, Kaisei Matsudo converted a rebound after a free kick struck the crossbar to make it 4-0. FGCU had another chance to respond in the 75th minute on a shot by Brian Lopez that was saved by Cook. The Bears added late goals from Noa Bamballi in the 76th minute and Michael Walenchok in the 77th minute to seal the win.

Central Arkansas held a 13-8 advantage in total shots and an 8-2 edge in shots on goal. Despite the scoreline, FGCU generated set-piece opportunities, finishing with a 7-1 corner kick advantage over the Bears, including six in the first 45 minutes. FGCU goalkeeper Harvey Sellers recorded four saves in 90 minutes of work, while Cook earned the clean sheet win for UCA making two saves.

FGCU returns to Fort Myers for its home finale on Saturday, Oct. 24, taking on Stetson University at Pickering Field at 7 p.m.