SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – University of the Incarnate Word sophomore forward Ben Conway (Wigan, UK/Hawkley Hall) took the team to the top of the table with two goals in two games in Western Athletic Conference men's soccer action this weekend.

On Sunday, the Cardinals (5-6, 4-0) posted another stellar performance in head coach Vince Martinez's home state with a 1-0 win over San Jose State University (4-8-1, 2-2-1) to run their conference winning streak to four in a row.

"I have to give the guys credit," said Martinez.  "It wasn't the prettiest game of soccer, but they did what it takes to win.  Back-to-back games are never easy, but the managed to dig deep and play their hearts out.  I'm very happy for this team."

The first half of the match was scoreless with a handful of chances from both sides resulting in a 7-6 shot advantage to UIW.  A mistake by Spartan goalkeeper Felix Petermann nearly put UIW in the lead in the early going when forward Dylan Kelly (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe Catholic) stole the ball from his possession.  Out of range for a clear shot, Kelly passed the ball to teammate Alejandro de la Garza (Mission/Sharyland), but two recovering Spartan defenders forced his shot wide and kept the score level.

The second good chance of the first half for the Cardinals came in the 29^th minute when Victor Pinal (Dallas/Skyline) hit the cross bar from the penalty spot, but the Cardinals were unable to catch a break in the first 45 minutes.

The only goal of the afternoon came for Incarnate Word after just 47 seconds of play in the second half.  A run from de la Garza down the right side of the pitch resulted in a crossed ball that found its way to Conway on the back post via deflection.  Perfectly placed, Conway headed the ball down and into the back of the net.

Trailing by a goal, the Spartans poured men forward and dominated offensively in the second half to the tune of a 12-2 shot advantage.  UIW goalkeeper Kieran O'Boyle (Blackpool, UK/St Mary's Catholic College) was charged with making the lead stand and he was up to the challenge as he made six crucial saves in the period. SJSU leading scorer Rory Knibbs nearly levelled the game with a volley from three yards out hitting O'Boyle in an instinct save that sent the ball over the crossbar.

The Spartans doubled the Cardinals shot attempts with an 18-9 shot advantage and also posted a 10-3 shots on goal ratio for the match.  O'Boyle made an impressive total of 10 saves, while Petermann was only called to make two. 

The Cardinals are back in action next weekend as they host a double header for homecoming weekend.  They play UNLV at Benson Stadium on Friday at 8 p.m. and Grand Canyon University on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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