Box Score

AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's men's soccer team used three first-half goals to take down #9 Incarnate Word, 3-1, Wednesday afternoon at Lewis-Chen Family Field. The victory keeps the Hilltoppers in the hunt for an at-large bid to the South Central Regional Tournament.
 
St. Edward's (11-3-3) put the pressure on nationally-ranked Incarnate Word (11-3-1) early. In the 10^th minute, when a Hilltopper was taken down inside the box, St. Edward's was awarded a penalty kick. JAMES MARTIN calmly stepped up and drilled home the penalty kick for his third goal of the season.
 
Not more than two minutes later, the Cardinals were awarded a penalty kick of their own. Vinny Bailey would take it and Hilltopper keeper JOHN KASCHAK came up huge, making the save.
 
Two minutes later, the Hilltoppers took a free kick close to the far sideline. ANDERSON MCDANIEL found JAMES MARTIN near post. Martin flicked his header far post where KYLE PUJATS was there to head it in from point-blank range for a 2-0 St. Edward's lead.
 
In the 23^rd minute, Riley was taken down in the box and the Hilltoppers received another penalty shot that Martin put home for his second of the game. That is how the first half would stay, with the Hilltoppers ahead, 3-0.
 
Incarnate Word outshot the Hilltoppers in the first half, 12-6, but it was St. Edward's with the 3-nil advantage.
 
In the second half, Incarnate Word looked to make a game of it, as they would tally a goal in the 55^th minute. Abraham Campos would score on a header across the box from a pass by Alejandro DeLaGarza. However, the Hilltopper defense was up to the task, as they shut the Cardinals out the rest of the way.
 
“The players came out strong, going up 3-0 in the first half and never looked back,” head coach Brian Young said. “I was happy for the entire team and the coaching staff for getting us to a very important final match on Saturday. The guys are focused on DBU and are ready to accomplish the two goals we set in pre-season.”
 
Kaschak finished with eight saves, while only allowing the one goal. Incarnate Word outshot St. Edward's, 19-10.
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Saturday when they play host to Dallas Baptist in the regular season finale. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Lewis-Chen Family Field. Live stats and video will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website. The game has been designated “Senior Day”