SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team hosts two Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) games at Benson Stadium against the University of Southern Indiana (USI) and Liberty University (LU) this Thursday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Nov. 2. The Cardinals are 0-5-3 in the OVC (4-7-5 total).
QUEST FOR THE PLAYOFFS
UIW has an opportunity to compete in the OVC tournament that starts on Nov. 9, but will need to maneuver through challenging opponents and rely on other OVC clubs to lose.
- Scenario 1: The Cardinal tournament picture hinges on winning both matches and on Western Illinois and/or Southern Indiana losing out or tying.
- Scenario 2: The Cardinals can win one game and tie another to qualify for the tournament, only if Western Illinois and Southern Indiana also lose out.
The next two games are critical, as they will decide whether the Cardinals continue this season. If the Cardinals lose once, they're removed from tournament contention.
CARDINALS
Last week, the Cards fell to conference rival Houston Christian University 1-2 in a tough battle throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Despite the Cardinal's record sitting at the bottom of the OVC standings, the defense has done its best to protect the Nest, allowing the third-fewest goals in the conference.
The last time the Cards met USI was three weeks ago, and showed promising performances from many players wearing the red and black jerseys. That match ended 2-2 in a challenging road game.
UIW faced Liberty in its second conference game of the season, following a tie against HCU, which ended in a loss for the Cards, 1-2.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Last week, a new face pushed the ball past the opposing goalkeeper in freshman midfielder Evan Kraenzel. Noe Robles would have a strike at goal, which would be deflected by the HCU keeper, falling into the lap of Kraenzel, putting him in a great position to score.
- Noe Robles continues to lead the team in shot attempts (18) with Diego Robles right behind him (15). Collectively, Noe has one and Diego has two goals in conference competition.
- UIW goalkeeper Alejandro De La Torre continues to perform at a high level, tallying the third most saves in the conference (78).
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
- The USI Eagles are 1-3-4 in conference play (2-9-4 total) and are currently on a two game losing streak, following a loss to Lindenwood.
- David Davila is in the top 10 for goals in the OVC with six this campaign.
- Goalkeeper Jacob English currently has allowed the most goals in the OVC (31) this season.
How to Follow Games
SCOUTING THE FLAMES
- The Liberty Flames are 4-1-3 (8-3-5 total) and are one of two teams officially clinching a spot in the OVC tournament.
- The Flames average the second-most shots attempted per game (15) and have two top-10 scorers in the OVC. Zach Lifferth with eight goals and Leo Conneth with six.
How to Follow Games
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @UIWMensSoccer.
--UIW CARDINALS--
