Up against the No. 2 team in the women's soccer for NCAA Division II, the University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team fended off visiting Abilene Christian University for the entire first half, but ultimately fell, 2-0, at Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium on Friday night.

The Cardinals (4-5-4 overall) fell to 2-5-3 in the Lone Star Conference while the Wildcats improved their record to 12-0-1 overall and 8-0-1 to stay in first control of first place in the LSC (ACU's only non-win this season coming against UIW in Abilene earlier this season).

Incarnate Word played the Wildcats to a 0-0 tie at halftime, deciding to play a defensive style that helped muck up the ACU passing game and offense – and, in turn, the Cardinals generate a few counter-attack chances that they were unable to put away.

ACU got on the board at 60:18 in the second half and then added an insurance goal at 79:42.

Playing goalkeeper for Incarnate Word was freshman Angelica Carrizales, whose normal position is forward. Carrizales was only playing goalie for UIW because of an injury to starting goalkeeper Tori Puentes during last weekend's road trip.

The Cardinals recognized their three seniors – Puentes, Maggie Schrader and Sam Cole – before the game.

UIW's next game will be this Sunday at noon against Midwestern State University at Benson Stadium.