The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team remained unbeaten in Heartland Conference play so far this season and improved its overall record to 7-1-1 with a 2-1 victory over Newman University on Friday night a Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium.
Freshman Sam Johnson scored on her first-ever shot for UIW not even a full minute into the second half to get the scoring going and Sarah Hernandez added to her goal-total with her ninth of the year to put the Cardinals (2-0 in the Heartland) up 2-0 before Newman scored on a breakaway by Amanda Knabe in the 60th minute.
UIW pressure the Jets the entire game and, save for the lone breakaway chance that Newman was able to put away, the Cardinals dominated in every category – out-shooting the visitors 18-6 (12-to-2 on-goal) and earning six corner kicks to Newman's 2.
Johnson's goal came almost immediately after kickoff. The teams were tied and the Hernandez sisters took the opening touch right down the middle of the Jets' half of the field. Once inside the penalty area, Sarah Hernandez redirected a pass from Emily Hernandez to Johnson in front of the net and the freshman buried it.
Johnson nearly had a second goal later in the half, but redirected the pass over the crossbar.
The goal by Sarah Hernandez was one of great individual effort. First, the junior forward out-positioned a Jets defender on a high ball coming down inside the penalty box and then dribbled through a second defender for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Hernandez put the ball past the goalkeeper on the near side post.
Up next for the Cardinals is a matchup against Midwestern State University at 1 p.m. Sunday a Benson Stadium.
