SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team hits the road for a pair of conference matchups in Illinois. The Cardinals open the trip against Eastern Illinois on Thursday at 12 p.m. before facing Western Illinois on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Last Thursday, the Cardinals battled conference leader SIUE to a 1-1 draw behind a goal in the 59th minute from Diego Robles, assisted by Erik Rios. They capped the week with a come-from-behind 4-2 win on Sunday. Down two goals in the first half, Incarnate Word rallied to score four answered goals and defeat Southern Indiana. Reagan Gyedu had the first goal in the first half before Diego Robles netted three goals on his way to his first career hat trick.
His three-goal performance earned Robles OVC Player of the Week for the first time in his career. The San Antonio native is in his third season with the Cardinals and leads the team in nearly every offensive category, including goals (seven), shots (30), shots on goal (21), points (14) and game-winning goals (three). He also leads the OVC in shots on goal and game-winning goals while ranking second in goals and points.
Here's a look at the opponents the Cardinals will face in Illinois this week.
EASTERN ILLINOIS (3-6-3, 2-2-1 OVC)
WHEN AND WHERE: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 12:00 p.m., Lakeside Field (Charleston, IL)
ABOUT THE PANTHERS: Eastern Illinois returns home after a road trip to Western Illinois, where the Panthers suffered a 4-1 loss, and a 1-1 draw against UTRGV. The Panthers' two conference wins came against SIUE and Southern Indiana. Sergej Misic leads Eastern Illinois with seven goals this season, helping the Panthers pace the conference with 23 goals. Misic also leads the conference in points and shots.
MATCHUP HISTORY: Incarnate Word leads the all-time series against Eastern Illinois 3-1. The Cardinals fell in the last meeting in 2025 in San Antonio, 2-0, but were on a three-game win streak prior.
WESTERN ILLINOIS (4-6-3, 2-2-1 OVC)
WHEN AND WHERE: Sunday, Oct. 18 at 12:00 p.m., Northwest Field (Macomb, IL)
ABOUT THE LEATHERNECKS: The Leathernecks remain at home after a split week, opening with a 4-1 loss to Eastern Illinois before playing to a 1-1 draw against Lindenwood. Western Illinois' only other conference win came in a 2-1 victory over Eastern Illinois. Xavier Gagnon leads the Leathernecks in shots and goals, ranking third in the conference in both. Jack Schwerig leads the OVC with five assists.
MATCHUP HISTORY: UIW leads the all-time series against Western Illinois, 2-0-1, with the teams playing to a scoreless draw in 2025. The Cardinals won the previous two in 2024.
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on X @UIWAthletics and on Instagram @uiw_athletics.
Follow the team on X @UIWMensSoccer and on Instagram @uiwmenssoccer.
