SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word begins their inaugural season in the Western Athletic Conference on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Houston Baptist University at Benson Stadium.

The Cardinals (1-6-0) are in their second year as a member of NCAA Division I and first year with the WAC.  They are playing the Huskies (1-3-2) for the first time since both teams were still in NAIA back in 1990.  The Cardinals hold a slight 3-2 advantage in the all-time series.  In a scheduling quirk, the two teams will play again in a little over a week in Houston.

All seven of the UIW games this year have been decided by one goal so expect it to be a close game.  The Cardinals are coming off a tough loss at Oral Roberts on Tuesday night where the Golden Eagles scored with less than two minutes to play in regulation to win 3-2.  Noah Keats (Exeter, Eng./The King's School) has been the top scorer for UIW with three goals and an assist while Dylan Kelly (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe Catholic) has two goals and an assist.  Kieran O'Boyle (Blackpool, Eng./St. Mary's Catholic) has been the main player between the pipes for the team and has a 1.81 goals against average.

The Huskies have not played since September 22 so they should be well rested.  Patrick Toh leads the team with four goals and an assist while Thilo Borgmann has two goals and three assists.  They have been out-scored, 14-12 on the season.  Kevin Suarez and Philip Poser have each started multiple games in goal for the team.

Live stats and live video will be available through the UIW athletics website at www.uiwcardinals.com. 
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