ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team saw its season come to a close, falling 5-2 to Eastern Illinois in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.
The Panthers struck early, getting on the board first in the fifth minute of the game. UIW recorded its first shot in the 34th minute, when Ángel Mercado netted his first collegiate goal off a free kick from Jaylen Williams to even the score.
Eastern Illinois regained the lead just four minutes before halftime when an own goal by the Cardinals put the Panthers ahead, 2-1. UIW entered the break with just one shot, which resulted in Mercado's goal, compared to nine for Eastern Illinois.
The Cardinals maintained more possession to open the second half before a miscommunication in the UIW defense allowed Eastern Illinois to extend its lead to 3-1. However, just 19 seconds later, Diego Robles found the back of the net for his 11th goal of the season, finishing a long ball from Williams, who recorded his second assist of the night. The goal brought UIW within one at 3-2..
Eastern Illinois continued to build its advantage down the stretch, adding goals in the 62nd and 79th minutes to secure the 5-2 win and advance.
The loss brings Incarnate Word's season to a close following its third consecutive OVC Tournament appearance in four seasons. The Cardinals finished with their best conference record since 2014, posting a 5-3-2 mark in OVC play.
FOLLOW ALONG
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