SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team kicks off the opening round of the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference tournament on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. against the No. 6 seed Eastern Illinois.

The Cardinals closed the regular season with a 3-1 win over the conference champions Lindenwood on Nov. 1. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the UIW would score three unanswered goals to take down the conference leaders and secure the No. 3 seed in the tournament. 

Incarnate Word finished the regular season with a 6-7-3 overall record and a 5-3-2 mark in conference play. The Cardinals' third-place finish marked their best conference result since 2014, their inaugural season in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Cardinals' successful season was recognized with three selections to the All-OVC First Team, one All-Newcomer Team selection and two individual conference awards. Head coach Kiki Lara was named OVC Co-Coach of the Year, while Diego Robles earned Forward of the Year honors. Robles, Regan Gyedu and Charles Chimezie landed on the All-OVC First Team, with Chimezie also earning a spot on the All-Newcomer Team.

The Cardinals will play the second game of the day on Sunday in the tournament hosted by Lindenwood. With a win, they would move on to the semifinals to face No. 2 seed, SIUE.  
 

EASTERN ILLINOIS (4-9-4, 3-5-2 OVC)

WHEN AND WHERE: Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., Hunter Stadium (St. Charles, MO)

ABOUT THE PANTHERS: Eastern Illinois enters the tournament as the No. 6 seed after finishing the season 4-9-4 overall and 3-5-2 in conference play. The Panthers' three conference victories came against Houston Christian, Southern Indiana and SIUE. Sergej Missic was the lone Panther named to the All-OVC First Team after leading the conference in shots (70) and shots on goal (35). He also ranks second in the league with eight goals. Defender Andre Ecker earned All-OVC Second Team honors.

MATCHUP HISTORY: UIW holds a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series against Eastern Illinois. The Cardinals claimed a 2-1 victory over the Panthers in October.

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.