(September 3, 2025) Mena, Arkansas - The UARM Bucks picked up their first region win after a long road trip to Enid and dealt with an overnight weather delay, but the men returned home to host Eastern Oklahoma on Wednesday at Tapley Park. The Bucks dropped both games last season to the Mountaineers, who have traditionally found themselves at the top or contending for the top spot in NJCAA Region 2. 

 

Coming off their first region win last week, UARM got off to the worst possible start conceding a corner kick in the first 5 minutes which was converted through a free header from 8 yards. Eastern was playing at a quicker pace than the Bucks, and this speed of play enabled Eastern to dominate. In the 20th minute, Eastern put a cross in from the right which UARM failed to clear, and after a few ricochets, the ball fell to the feet of a Mountaineer striker who poked the ball home. The lead then extended to 3-0 just before halftime, after a Bucks defender pushed over a striker after being beaten on a 1v1 dribble in the penalty area, and the resulting penalty kick was converted. 

 

The second half was a chance for UARM to reorganize, and the resulting change in the tactical plan was a great success for the Bucks as they shutout a very talented Mountaineer team. Despite being a more defensive set up, the Bucks were still able to create numerous good looks at goal in transition and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet numerous times. The Bucks are now 1-1-1 in region play. 

 

Coach Kevin Sherry did not think all was lost from the match. "Eastern is obviously a very good team with so many talented players, and it was a great learning experience for our team to play against this level of players. We shut them out in the second half, and this is something we take forward into the road game later in the month. We learned so much, and I don't think I have ever been this happy after losing a game. We found a solution to the problems Eastern gave us by the end of the game. This is going to be a huge stepping stone for this team moving forward."

 

The men will now play their fourth region match in 2 weeks on Sunday at home against NEO. Then, the Bucks will have a 10-day break to rest and recover. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm against the Norsemen at Tapley Park.