CONWAY, ARKANSAS – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team was handed their second loss of the season on Sunday, this time to Central Arkansas who struck once in each half to take down the Cardinals 2-1.
           
The Bears (1-0) got the scoring started in the 24^th minute after goalkeeper Harrison Veith played a deep ball into the Cardinals (0-2) attacking half.  With no one from the backline coming to meet the ball, sophomore midfielder Wes Carson took advantage, making a run and hitting a volley over Keiran O'Boyle (Blackpool, England/St. Mary's Catholic) into the back of the net.
           
The Cardinals continued to hold a high line in the first half and that helped them get back into the game when midfielder Noah Keats (Exeter, England/The King's School) levelled the scoreline in the 35^th minute, scoring his first career goal for UIW.  A deflecting ball fell to his feet at the top of the box where he lashed home a powerful volley that sailed straight past the keeper into the top right corner.
           
The Cardinals managed to hold off the Bears until the 70^th minute.  This time it was a free kick from Manuel Montal that served the ball to UCA midfielder Logan Miller, who headed the ball home to make it 2-1.
           
Despite the Cardinals outshooting the Bears 10-8, a lack of hunger and urgency to create a comeback kept them behind.  The Bears posted five shots on goal to the Cardinals three, which respectively called on O'Boyle to make three saves while Veith made two.
           
The Cardinals are back in action next week for their home opener against Oral Roberts.  Kick-off at Benson Stadium is on Sunday at 2p.m.
####
pr14355smm