PHOENIX, ARIZONA – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team closed out their 2014 season with a 2-0 loss against the Omaha on Friday at a game played on the campus of Grand Canyon University.  Two goals within two minutes in the second half gave the game to the Mavs.
           
In a game where the Mavericks (9-5-2) outshot the Cardinals (7-11-1) 16-10 and fired six shots on goal to Incarnate Word's five, two quality goals in quick succession prevented a tired Cardinals side from ending a roller coaster season on a high note.
           
The first half of the game remained scoreless despite the Cardinals creating the first real chance that could have set a very different tone to the game. After thirteen minutes of play, Ben Conway (Wigan, UK/ Hawkley Hall) found himself in a one-on-one opportunity with Maverick goalkeeper Josh Christensen, but shot the ball wide thanks to added pressure from another Maverick defender.
           
Victor Pinal (Dallas, TX/ Skyline) also had a chance to take the lead for the Cardinals, but this time after the half time break. Again after thirteen minutes of play, Pinal connected a half volley with his left foot that hit the post and was cleared before the Cardinals could capitalize on their opportunity.
           
Finally, the even score line was broken after Maverick forward Mark Moulton slalomed hisway between three Cardinal defenders and worked his way into the box to then roll the ball to Vance Rookwood who was free in the center.  After tucking the ball behind Kieran O'Boyle (Backpool, UK/ St Mary's Catholic College) Rookwood took his team to 1-0.      
           
Just under two minutes later Rookwood had a hand in the second goal for the Mavs, this time with an assist.  His cross found Jake McCain in the box who put the ball into the bottom right from 10 yards out and took the game to the final score of 2-0. During the game O'Boyle made a total four saves while Christensen made five.

The Cardinals have finished their second season as a Division I member and capped their first season in the Western Athletic Conference coming in third place.
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