OMAHA, NEBRASKA – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team has the privilege of opening the 2014-15 athletic calendar for all Cardinals teams this year with a 7 p.m. match at Nebraska-Omaha on Friday.

The Cardinals are under the direction of first-year head coach Anne Felts who was the top assistant for the team each of the past two years under Tina Patterson.  The team played a pair of preseason exhibition games at Texas and UTSA dropping both contests.

UIW lost three of their top four scorers from a year ago to graduation and also their top defender graduated.  They bring back seven starters including senior midfielder Sarah Johnson (Austin/Home school) who will be expected to run the offense.  Johnson played more of a defensive midfielder role in 2013, but Felts wants her to push up more this season.  Sophomore Abigail Koenigs (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) is the top returning scorer after netting seven goals and an assist as a true freshman.

The defense had been a little banged up in the preseason, but should continue to get better as the season progresses.  Junior Elizabeth Washington (Frisco/Centennial HS) is the leader on the back line, but she will receive help from a pair of strong goalkeepers.  Juniors Heather Kowalik (Boerne/Champion HS) and Karly Brightwell (Houston/Elkins HS) are expected to split time in goal and each has been outstanding through the Fall practices.

The Mavs went 3-11-2 last year as a member of the Summit League, but optimism is high for the club.  They return eight starters and 14 letterwinners.  They recently knocked off Iowa State, 2-1 in an exhibition game.  UNO is in their final year of transition to NCAA Division I.

Live stats and live video (paid subscription) will both be available for the match by going to http://www.uiwcardinals.com/schedule.aspx?path=wsoc.
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