SAN ANTONIO – TSU nearly rallied back from an early two-goal deficit but came up just short in the closing minutes after a 2-1 loss at Incarnate Word on Thursday afternoon.

UIW scored early as Zaiba Ishaque broke free from the TSU defense for a one-on-one battle with goalie Alicia Audu in the box. However, the ball would get past Audu for the 1-0 lead.
TSU would counter with a shot attempt several minutes later but the shot was saved in the goal. Shortly after the hydration break, TSU forced a corner kick in the 23^rd minute, which landed directly in front of Kaia Butler. Butler had a solid look at the goal but the shot was saved. Both defenses would rise to the occasion to close out the half, but a late handball call on TSU allowed the Cardinals to sneak a shot attempt at the halftime buzzer.

Early in the second half, Audu found herself in another one-on-one battle deep in the box but came up victorious. However, on the ensuing corner kick, UIW would up the margin to 2-0 after the ball was headed in.

Despite the setback, the TSU offense would quickly respond as Alana Aiken's assist set up an impressive 30-yard shot from Servane Blouin, which sailed right over the goalie's head in the 51^st minute. From that point, TSU would remain the aggressor, as they made several attempts to knot the contest. With 9:33 left, Lucy Smith found a streaking Savannah Muldrew, but the shot was just short of the goal. Several minutes later, Smith's shot attempt was saved in the box, followed by another tough save as Alana Aiken's attempt off an impressive pass from Caffey was saved in front of the goal.

Audu had four saves while Blouin and Aiken recorded three shots.

TSU is back in action next week in San Antonio at UTSA on Thursday, Aug. 27.