SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team (1-2-1) earned its first win of the season Friday night, defeating Our Lady of the Lake (1-1-2) 3-1 at Benson Stadium. The Cardinals set the tone early, scoring three goals in the opening 32 minutes while firing 14 shots in the first half.
The Cardinals controlled from the beginning, taking four shots within the first 13 minutes. UIW capitalized in the 13th minute off a cross from Bryce Tober and a finish from Diego Robles, for his first goal of the season. Just three minutes later, Robles found the back of the net again, this time off a corner kick from Evan Kraenzel, to give the Cardinals an early 2-0 advantage.
Robles saw yet another opportunity in the 27th minute after UIW was awarded a penalty kick, but the Saints' keeper made the save to deny the potential hat trick.
The Cardinals were awarded another penalty in the 32nd minute, with Zion Long converting the opportunity to extend the lead to 3-0. UIW carried the three-goal advantage into halftime after limiting the Saints to none in the first half.
The Saints responded early in the second half, finding their first goal of the night off the foot of Baden Arietta in the 58th minute. Despite the pressure from OLLU, the Cardinals' backline stood strong, maintained possession of the ball, and created more attacks of their own to preserve the 3-1 advantage. With the win, the Cardinals have now won four straight meetings against Our Lady of the Lake
Robles finished the night with two goals, five shots and four shots on goal. Long added his penalty kick goal while putting all three of his shots on target. Kraenzel recorded three shots while Tober had the first assist of his collegiate career.
The Cardinals improve to 1-1-2 on the season and will head to Dallas to face No. 3 SMU on Monday at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on ACC Network Extra (ACCNX).
FOLLOW ALONG
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