SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team (6-7-3, 5-3-2) defeated Lindenwood (8-4-6, 5-2-3), 3-1, on Sunday morning. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Cardinals would score three unanswered goals to take down the conference leaders and secure the No. 3 seed in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
Following three early saves by Victor Salmeron, Lindenwood was on the board first in the 10th minute. Diego Robles recorded the Cardinals' two shots in the half, as the Lions held a 7-to-2 advantage in shots. Salmeron finished the half with five saves.
UIW was awarded a penalty kick in the 55th minute to open the second half, but Robles' attempt was denied. Just three minutes later, Danny Elizalde sent a shot toward goal that was deflected by the Lions' goalkeeper, allowing Emmanuel Martinez to capitalize on the rebound and bury the equalizer. The Cardinals carried the momentum, striking again in the 68th minute when Robles connected for his 10th goal of the season off an Evan Kraenzel assist to give UIW a 2-1 lead.Â
Lindenwood had an opportunity to even the score in the 80th minute but sent its penalty kick wide right. Dorian Gardi all but sealed it for the Cardinals in the 85th minute, sending UIW's third and final goal to the back of the net.Â
Salmeron anchored the Cardinals defensively, finishing with a season-high nine saves.
With the win, UIW clinches the No. 3 in the OVC Tournament. The Cardinals will face the No. 6 seed at either 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. CT on Nov. 8 in St. Charles, Missouri.
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