OREM, UTAH – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team nearly grabbed a late victory away from Utah Valley University on Friday night, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The Cardinals (6-7-1, 5-1-1) struggled in the first half to create any offense as the Wolverines (6-6-2, 2-3-2) had the majority of possession.  Utah Valley also created the most chances in the half including a 1-on-1 opportunity for Austin Buxton against UIW goalkeeper Kieran O'Boyle (Blackpool, Eng./St. Mary's Catholic) in the 27^th minute, but O'Boyle was up to the challenge and pushed the shot wide.  UVU attempted six shots in the first half to only one for UIW.

"It was a pretty even match today with both teams having chances toward the end to win the game," said UIW head coach Vince Martinez.  "I'm a bit disappointed on conceding a late goal, but now the team has to regroup and focus on a big game against Seattle."

In the second half, the Cardinals started to take control of the match.  They created the majority of the chances in the half and finally broke through with under eight minutes remaining in regulation.  Alex de la Garza (Mission/Sharyland HS) fed the ball into the box to Ben Conway (Wigan, Eng./Hawkley Hall) from the left side.  Conway crossed the ball over to his right foot and then put it in the right side of the goal.

The Wolverines sent on Paul Hoffmeister and Chandler Boyd as late substitutes and each played a role to tie the game.  In the 87^th minute, the Cardinals gave the ball away in their half of the field and Karson Payton pounced on the loose ball.  He passed it down the right sideline to Boyd who took one touch and crossed the ball low into the box and Hoffmeister came sprinting forward to slot it home from 12 yards out at 86:13.

Each team managed a few opportunities in the overtime periods.  The best chance came in the last minute of the second overtime period when Payton nearly ended the game, but the Cardinals back line was able to save the ball before it crossed the goal line.

The teams were very even in terms of statistics.  Utah Valley fired 19 shots and the Cardinals attempted 18 shots.  O'Boyle and his UVU counterpart Collin Partee each made four saves and each defense was required to make another save.  De la Garza attempted seven shots, including three on goal for the Cardinals to go with his assist.

The Cardinals are back in action on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Seattle University.
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