UTSA’s soccer team beats UIW 1-0 in their second match-up against their cross-town fellow birds, the Cardinals, at Toyota Field on Sunday night.
It has been a week of firsts for UTSA’s soccer team. Following their maritime warfare defeat of Navy during their home opener, the ‘Runners competed against UIW in a battle of the birds that marked a historic “first” as both universities made their debut appearance at Toyota Stadium. San Antonio FC’s beloved stadium has not hosted a university game since 2013.
“This is a really special venue. SAFC, the Spurs organization, have an absolute first rate organization here. They did a fantastic job, it’s a phenomenal place to play,” coach Derek Pittman said.
“We wanted to put our best foot forward,” Pittman said of today’s win. “We want to show what we’re capable of and I thought for long portions of the game we did exactly that.”
UTSA proved that the early bird truly does get the worm. They took early possession of the ball in the first half and out-shot UIW 15-1, along with 6-0 shots on goal. Senior forward Olivia Alvarez, who was named in the AAC Preseason Watch List earlier this summer, took three shots accompanied by an attempt on goal.
Following a corner kick, UIW freshman defender Riley Sheldon committed the Cardinal sin of tripping UTSA’s Sasjah Dade in Sheldon’s own goal area. Alvarez walked up to take the penalty kick and shot the ball into the top right of the goal, scoring the first goal of the game after the 51 minute mark.
“I walk up and I just know,” Alvarez said of her penalty kick. “I was pretty confident.”
UTSA will play Texas State at 7:30pm Thursday at Bobcat Field looking to reignite its rivalry at the Battle of I-35.
