SAN ANTONIO – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men's soccer team fell 2-1 on the road to the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Friday at Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium.
The Vaqueros (0-4) came out with pressure from the opening kick. The pressure created four corner kicks and six shots, all of which were on goal, in the first half.
The Vaqueros pressure not only came on the offensive side but defensively as well. A steal at midfield turned into a counter that allowed sophomore
Koren Klein to connect with freshman
Michael Chaves, who then gave it back to Klein who chipped it over the goalie for the 1-0 lead in the 12
th minute.
UTRGV's defense allowed just two shots to the Cardinals (4-2-1) in the first half with just one of them on goal.
The Vaqueros opened the second half with the same pressure, forcing another corner kick that gave them a good look at a goal as a header went off the crossbar.
The Cardinals took advantage of their shots in the second half as they got a pair of goals on two shots. Juan Monrreal took a shot in the box that snuck between the defenders and into the net tying the match at 1-1.
In the 64
th minute, Monrreal sent a free kick into the box and connected with Tatenda Chigede, who headed it into the net giving the Cardinals the 2-1 lead for good.
UTRGV was outshot by UIW 9 to 8 but outshot UIW 7 to 4 on goal. Senior
Alexis Gonzalez recorded two saves in the match.
The Vaqueros will be back in action on Sep. 17 when they host Houston Christian University at 6:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Attendance is free but fans will need a digital pass to gain entrance. Fans can sign up for the UTRGV Soccer Pass at
GoUTRGV.com/SoccerPass. A clear bag policy is in place at the facility.
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