Fresh off their ranking of No. 8 in the NSCAA national poll for the NCAA's Division II, the Incarnate Word men's soccer team got on the bus and traveled to Laredo, Texas, for a matchup against the No. 19 team in the very same poll, Texas A&M International, on Friday night.
Incarnate Word, despite being on the road in a tough environment, handled the adversity by getting a 4-2 victory over the Dustdevils, led by senior Callum Riley's three-goal night.
Two of Riley's goals came in the first half, while his third of the night came inside the first minute of the second half. That stellar performance put Riley back in the lead for UIW (5-1 overall) players with five on the season (just six games into the season).
The other Cardinal to net a goal was Jesus Cortez, who ended up with the game-winner in the 24th minute thanks to a pass from Carlos Gonzalez. Cortez had just set up Riley's second goal of the night – which gives him one goal and three assists on the year so far.
Playing in goal for Incarnate Word was Jarred Kahan who earned his first victory of the season filling in for senior Chris Fidler. One of the goals against Kahan was a penalty kick.
For coach Vincent Martinez, he was happy for the experience his players got out in Laredo.
“It's good for guys to go out into a tough environment and get a win,” he said. “These guys will remember playing – and winning – in a place like that.”
UIW is now unbeaten in their last five games.
The Cardinals will be back in town and back in action on Sunday, playing against cross-town rival St. Mary's University in an “away” game for UIW. The Rattlers will be hosting the game at Northside ISD Soccer Field #1, at 7001 Culebra. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
