Central Arkansas Men's Soccer kicks off its 2026 season against Drake at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines on Thursday at 7 p.m. It's the second season for head coach Kyle Segebart, who previously led the team to a 4-10-2 record. Despite losing 18 players, the team retains key players, including forward Maxim Sheenkov, who earned Second Team All-ASUN honors with four goals last season. The matchup against Drake poses a challenge, as the Bulldogs were undefeated at home last year.

By the Numbers
  • Central Arkansas had a 4-10-2 record in Segebart's first season as head coach.
  • Drake was 5-0-4 at home during the regular season last year.
State of Play
  • Key players returning include Maxim Sheenkov (4 goals, 2 assists) and Vaclav Kozeny (2 goals, 1 assist).
  • Defensive veterans Joseph Mwamba and Kaisei Matsudo add experience, having both started 10 games last season.
What's Next

This season serves as a critical opportunity for Central Arkansas to establish its presence in the ASUN Championship, especially following last season's early exit. Success in the opener against a challenging Drake team could set the tone for future matches.

Bottom Line

The 2026 season opener against Drake is pivotal for Central Arkansas, with a mix of returning talent and fresh challenges. A strong performance will be essential for momentum as they aim for a more successful campaign than last year's.