Gut Check Against the Cardinals

The Wolverines move to 2-3-2 in the WAC with a double-overtime draw against the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals. Some draws feel like losses, others feel like wins. The draw on All Hallows Eve, was a relief of sorts because it looked for a few minutes like the Wolverines might fall again to a late goal in a game that had been tightly contested, and even.

Like several earlier games in this WAC season, there were some scoring chances – even a UVU goal not allowed due to off sides. UIW went up 1-0 in the 83^rd minute, but with a furious attacking effort, the coaches taking the backline to three to insert an additional striker, the Wolverines evened the game just four minutes later. Both sides went scoreless in 20 minutes of overtime.

The goal was significant for a several reasons: it brings a result, albeit a single point, against a side that has been playing very well since starting conference competition (Incarnate Word began their non-conference season 0-5, but have really put things together as WAC play began). It came at a time when the team was desperately fighting to score under time pressure – not the easiest thing to do, but it builds confidence when it’s accomplished. And, the goal opens the season account of Paul Hoffmeister, who was fed cleanly by Chandler Boyd, who in turn had been masterfully fed by Karson Payton.

Overall team athleticism, strength, and tenacity have kept the Wolverines in every match they have played this season with a stingy, overlapping defense, even while goal scoring has proven difficult to manufacture. Hoffmeister has looked incredible at times this year, but has not been able to make a difference in the last few games. In tonight’s match he looked more like the midfielder seen on the field earlier in the month. This goal, coming as it did might go a long way towards building the belief and confidence this team has in each other. It's actually another first for our young Wolverines: taking a point, denying their opponent a complete victory when the clock was not in their favor.

The game Sunday is now critically important. Elsewhere in the WAC, Bakersfield defeated UNLV 2-1 with the goals coming a minute apart late in the match. UNLV remains in first place, but the win leaves Bakersfield with nine points (to UVU’s eight). UVU plays against Houston Baptist at 1:00 p.m. on Clyde field. It will close out the Wolverine home season.