SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team fell to the University of Houston 2-0 in a hard-fought battle at Benson Stadium Friday night.
 
The Cardinals (0-2) stole the attention of the crowd right from kickoff.  Freshman Brooke Hanson (New Braunfels, Tx/New Braunfels HS) took the first shot for the Cardinals just three minute into the game.  Sophomore Sam Batley had a quick breakaway and shot on goal within the first five minutes of the game, but it was saved by Houston goalie Rachel Estopare.
 
Midfielder Abigail Koenigs (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) has been a key senior-leader already in the season. She made a great pass to forward Emani Stewart (Victorville, CA/Hesperia HS) whose shot was blocked in the 20th minute.
 
The Cougars (2-0) then saw their chance to breakaway and took it.  Selena Peters scored the first goal for Houston in the 15 minute mark by taking a shot from the right side of the field into the left corner of the net.  At the start of the second half, Margo Mcentire crossed the ball into the box and found Desiree Bowen, who kicked it in the net at the 50 minute mark.
 
UIW took more shots than the Cougars but just couldn't seem to get the ball past the defending goalkeeper.  The Cardinals slowly faded in the second half, taking nine shots in the first half and only one in the second, while the steady Cougars took four shots in the first half and five in the second.

Catch the Cardinals again this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. when they play the Baylor Bears in Waco, TX. For more information on the UIW women's soccer team please visit uiwcardinals.com.