SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team got bitten again by the Missouri State Bears with another 1-0 loss for their season opener this Friday.  It was the second straight 1-0 defeat to Missouri State to open the season for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals (0-1) faced the same fate as they have done on their past two season openers, this time after a one-time volley in the 28^th minute from Bears (1-0) forward James Thomas. Some good play down the left exposed the Cardinals right side and midfielder Parker Mahler picked out Thomas' run into center of the box.

"We are still trying to find our way in this early part of the season," said UIW head coach Vince Martinez.  "I think the guys played relatively hard, but overall, it wasn't one of our better performances."

It was a very organized Missouri line-up that prevented the Cardinals from establishing any rhythm or getting a real foothold in the game, but with the first half goal seeing the peak of the action, the Bears also remained subdued by the Cardinals for the remaining parts of the game.

For Incarnate Word, a better performance in the second half allowed them their best chance on goal, seeing transfer Sam Steurer (Ballwin, MO/St. Louis University HS) attempting a volley from 20 yards out that got deflected off for a corner kick. Yet UIW remained scoreless, offering a total of only four shots to the Bears 12 and two shots on goal to the Bears three. Both goalkeepers were required to make two saves a piece, but it is freshman Liam Priestly for the Bears that posts the shut out.  Kieran O'Boyle (Blackpool, England/St. Mary's Catholic) made his first career start in goal for UIW.

The Cardinals are back in action on Sunday as they head to Central Arkansas for a 1 p.m. kick off at the Bill Stephens soccer complex.
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