AUSTIN, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team was not intimidated by the University of Texas, drawing even with the Longhorns for 74 minutes, before UT struck twice in a 10-minute span late to defeat the Cardinals, 2-0, in an exhibition match at Mike A. Myers Stadium Friday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Despite being outshot, 30-8, to Texas, UIW entered halftime even with the Longhorns, 0-0. Goalkeeper
Sydney Huntsinger made five saves in the first half, including a handful of very difficult stops. She stopped a breakaway with a tremendous dive to keep the Longhorns scoreless.
Late in the first half, Huntsinger made the initial save and where it looked like Texas was going to get an easy rebound into a wide open goal,
Annika Fields stopped the shot for a team save, keeping the match scoreless.
The teams remained deadlocked until last year's Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Cyera Hintzen, scored past Huntsinger. The Cardinals initially thought Hintzen was offsides, but replayed showed otherwise, despite it being close.
Lilly Bravenec made a fantastic play deep in the Cardinals' zone. She hustled towards a ball and kicked it out of bounds, just before it crossed the end line, which would have been a Texas corner kick.
The Longhorns doubled their lead in the 86th minute, as Katie Glenn got behind the defenders and found herself one-on-one with Huntsinger.
LEADERS
Huntsinger was the star in the game, as she made very difficult saves and intercepted several crosses. She ended up with eight saves. On offense,
Andrea Cardenas led the Cardinals with two shots on goal and joined
Emily Halal with a team-high three shot attempts.
Hintzen took a match-best five shots. Nicole Curry made three saves between the pipes for the Longhorns.
QUOTES
Head Coach Anne Felts on her team's performance
"I am very excited about our performance tonight. We really showed some potential against a very good UT team. We played solid defensively, and gained confidence as the game went on. This was a great way to start the season; we will get better and better. I am very pleased to see the freshmen fit so well with the rest of the team.
Sydney Huntsinger made some outstanding saves."
UP NEXT
The Cardinals open the regular season next Friday, August 18, hosting North Texas at 7 p.m. from Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
STAY TUNED
UIW continues the home stand against Louisiana Tech the following Tuesday, August 22 at 7 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.
