SEARCY, Ark. — Fourth-year forward Reik Barrack scored Harding's first goal of the season late in the second half, but the Bisons dropped a 2-1 decision to Christian Brothers on Friday afternoon at Stevens Soccer Complex.
Following a scoreless first period, Christian Brothers (1-2-0) broke through early in the second half with two goals from Giulio Astesano. The Buccaneers opened the scoring in the 48th minute when Astesano headed in a long free kick from Christopher Armitage from nine yards out. Astesano struck again in the 53rd minute, curling a shot directly off a free kick from outside the box into the net to extend the CBU lead to 2-0.
Harding (0-3-0) continued to battle and earned a breakthrough in the 90th minute. Midfielder Jimmy Tuyishime was pushed inside the 18-yard box by CBU's Arnold Cruz, drawing a penalty kick. Barrack stepped up to the spot, sent CBU backup keeper Grant Clothier diving to his left, and fired his shot straight down the middle for the goal. The strike was Harding's first goal of the 2026 campaign and the second of Barrack's career.
Match Notes
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Goalkeeping: Harding goalkeeper Andrew Wagenblatt recorded four saves in a full 90-minute effort, while the Bisons defense added one team save. CBU starting keeper Pablo Ossorio made two saves in 84 minutes before giving way to Clothier.
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Shot Totals: CBU held a 15-8 advantage in total shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Harding generated seven of its eight shots in the second half.
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Physical Finish: A heated second half featured six yellow cards and one red card issued to Christian Brothers. CBU's Benjamin Pena was shown a red card for unsporting behavior in the 90th minute following the penalty kick.
Up Next
Harding wraps up its season-opening homestand and embarks on a four-game road swing starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Tampa. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CDT.
