SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – At their home opener, the University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team dropped a tough 2-1 decision against Oral Roberts University at Benson Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
           
It was a late goal in the 85^th minute that sealed the game for the Golden Eagles (2-0-1) and left the Cardinals (0-3) reeling after their third consecutive loss at Benson Stadium dating back to last year.
           
Despite the score line, the Cardinals put out a strong performance and dictated play throughout the majority of the match. They opened up the scoring with a goal from sophomore Ben Conway (Wigan, UK/Hawkley Hall) in the eleventh minute of the game.  He tapped the ball home after a number of goal attempts were blocked by ORU's defensive line.  Noah Keats (Exeter, England/The King's School) was credited with the assist on the play.
           
The score remained 1-0 until the opening sequences of the second half when the Eagles struck gold off of a deflected ball that fell to the feet of midfielder Gerardo Salas. Shortly after the goal was scored a lightning delay disrupted play for 30 minutes.
           
In resuming the game, the Cardinals created a number of chances to take the lead. They became dominant once again after playing high and maintaining possession within ORU's defending half.  Junior forward Dylan Kelly (Tucson, AZ/ Salpointe Catholic) had the best chance for UIW after he was played through to a one on one opportunity with ORU goalkeeper Ben LaCourse.  In attempting to chip the ball, he hit it over the crossbar.
           
Although the Cardinals outshot the Eagles 19 to 7 and had six shots on goal to the Eagles three3, a break in the closing minutes of the game gave ORU the only chance they needed. Painstakingly, Jaun Deigo Padilla sealed the game when he corralled a crossing pass away from the UIW goalkeeper and finished from close range on a quick counter-attack.
           
In the final moments of the game, the Cardinals had chances to tie the game.  With the clock winding down under 10 seconds Keats had a shot attempt from inside the 18-yard box that was saved by LaCourse.

The Cardinals are back in action next weekend, where they head to Highpoint, North Carolina for the Highpoint Classic. They play Highpoint University on Friday and then Radford University on Sunday.  
####
pr14367smm