Hilltoppers take over first in the Heartland Conference with 2-0 victory over Incarnate Word
AUSTIN, Texas - St. Edward's won its fifth-straight match as it defeated Heartland Conference rival Incarnate Word, 2-0, Wednesday afternoon in a battle for first-place in the conference at the SEU Soccer Field.
St. Edward's (5-6-2, 5-1 HC) got on the scoreboard early when senior Josh Nannen took a through ball from fellow senior Scott Strickland and beat the Incarnate Word keeper from 20 yards out. This was Nannen's third goal of the season.
Incarnate Word (6-5-3, 4-2 HC) would then put a lot of pressure on the Hilltoppers as they sent a flurry of shots at the Hilltopper net. The Cardinals had eight shots in the next 15 minutes and two of those shots were on goal. The only problem was that Hilltopper goalkeeper Matt Moore was equal to the task, making a save on each.
In the second half, the Hilltoppers added to the lead in the 50th minute when they had a free kick from 50 yards out. Junior Trey Perkins sent the free kick into the box and it was headed down by junior Joeski Williams. Senior Beau Grantier was there for the one-timer to put St. Edward's ahead, 2-0.
The rest of the way, the Cardinals moved players ahead looking for offense and to get back into the game.
Moore, and the rest of the Hilltopper defense were solid, preventing Incarnate Word from getting on the scoreboard. Moore had nine saves during the match and picked up his fifth shutout of the season.
Incarnate Word outshot St. Edward's, 20-9, and placed nine shots on goal compared to five shots on goal by the Hilltoppers.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Sunday when they travel to take on Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.