September 19, 2008
San Antonio – Troy Thompson and Ian Ankney each scored within an eight-minute period, lifting the University of the Incarnate Word to a 2-0 win over St. Mary’s University in Heartland Conference men’s soccer action Friday afternoon at St. Mary’s University Soccer Field.
The Rattlers looked to have the upper hand in the first half, controlling possession of the ball and taking two shots on goal against none for UIW. A red card issued to Justin Odette of UIW gave the Rattlers a one-man advantage for the rest of the game. But the Rattlers missed the ensuing penalty kick after the red card and were unable to capitalize on their opportunities in the first half.
That left the door open for the short-handed Cardinals and Thompson took advantage first, dribbling into the Rattler penalty area and finding the right corner of the net in the 67th minute for 1-0 advantage. Ankney then iced the game in the 75th minute when he took a cross from Carlos Gomez and found the back of the net for the second goal.
The game was a physical affair as it usually is when the two teams match up. There were 25 fouls called in the game and five cards issued. UIW took eight shots to the Rattlers seven. Brett Collier (Jr., Schertz) of St. Mary’s and Gil Ben Nachum of Incarnate Word each made two saves in goal.
A season high crowd of 425 witnessed the contest. With the loss St. Mary’s fell to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in Heartland Conference play this season. UIW improved to 3-1 and 1-0. St. Mary’s will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 28, when they host Northeastern State University at Noon at St. Mary’s University Soccer Field. The Rattlers scheduled game against St. Edward’s University on Sunday, Sept. 21, was postponed until Oct. 17.