SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – In their Southland Conference home opener the University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team was dealt a 2-0 defeat against first place Southeastern Louisiana University.

In what was set to be a tough game for the Cardinals (0-9, 0-2), the Lions (10-1, 3-0) dominated physically.  SLU entered the game averaging 3.8 goals per game and the UIW defense was able to limit them, but an early goal and a late goal bookended the win for the visitors.

The Lions opened up the scoring in the 16^th minute when Maggie Ramsey received a through pass from Gisenia Utreras to set her up for a one-on-one with Cardinals goalkeeper Karly Brightwell (Houston/Elkins HS).  Ramsey was able to slide the ball past Brightwell and into the back of the net.  For the remainder of the first half, the scoring chances for few and far between for each side.

Going into the second half, the Cardinals stepped up their game by pushing high and creating chances that tested the Lions backline.  Sophomore Elizabeth Washington (Frisco/Centennial) had one of the best chances when SLU goalkeeper Casey Jeanfreau was left stranded 25 yards from goal after rushing out of her penalty area in an attempt to clear the ball.  With Jeanfreau momentarily floored, and Washington 30 yards from goal with an empty net in front of her, three SLU defenders quickly pounced to prevent her from taking the shooting opportunity and the ball was cleared to safety.

UIW did well to hold off a hungry SLU side who countered every attack.  Despite some close calls SLU wrapped up the game with a goal from Maddie Kresevic in the 87^th minute.  A cross from Maddie Allen found its way to Kresevic, who was situated a yard from the goal line, and she proceeded to volley the ball home and eliminate all hope of a Cardinals comeback.  

In a disappointing game, the Cardinals outshot the Lions, 15-9 and also posted an 11-4 shots on goal advantage, which called on Jeanfreau to make 11 saves.  UIW goalkeeping time was split evenly between Brightwell and Heather Kowalik (Boerne/Champion) who each made one save each.

The Cardinals are back in action on Sunday when they host another Southland Conference rival, Nicholls at 1p.m.
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