Texans win 1st conference opener in program history, take match at UCA for 3rd straight win overall

CONWAY, Ark. — Tarleton State Soccer began conference play how it ended non-conference action – winning.

The Texans (3-2-5, 1-0-0 UAC) won their first conference opener in program history, their United Athletic Conference debut match, 2-1 on the road at Central Arkansas (3-5-2, 0-1 UAC).

The Texans have won three straight matches, their tied-longest winning streak in program history (Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 2025). They have also set a new unbeaten streak record at six straight matches, with only two losses on the year, one to a Power Four program and the last on Aug. 27.

Tarleton State held Central Arkansas to just one goal at the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex in Conway, Arkansas, on Thursday night, snapping the Bears’ three-match winning streak at home. Entering the match, UCA had a 9-0 goal advantage over its last three home opponents, a 1-0 win against Nevada, a 1-0 win against UT Martin, and a 7-0 win against Alabama State.

Adelaide Wyrzynski scored the opening goal in the 30th minute, her second of the season and first since Aug. 20 against UTEP. Five minutes later, the Bears tied it on a Caroline Billings goal to make it 1-1, the eventual halftime score. Jessica Baires continued her hot streak with the go-ahead goal in the 63rd minute. She now has 11 points over her last four matches, and a goal in each of her last three contests.

UCA outshot Tarleton State 12-9 with a 6-4 SOG advantage. The Texans led the corner kicks 7-1. Texan goalkeeper Rylie Bloomfield recorded five saves with one goal allowed in 90 minutes, to UCA’s Anna Harrell’s two saves and two goals allowed. Six other Texan starters played the entire match; Zoe Ballard, Peyton Bryant, Ava D’Costa, Grace Berry, Baires and Wyrzynski.

The Texans have now scored 12 goals over their last four matches and have allowed two over their last three.

Tarleton State will head back home for a rivalry match against Abilene Christian on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Texans will host a Purple Out, encouraging all fans to wear their signature color. The Texans will also be giving away free purple vuvuzelas to first-arriving fans.