Soccer opens season with 64-29 defeat at Incarnate Word

Game Overview: Soccer | 09/04/2022 | 12:30:00 | By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Incarnate Word overcame a lengthy pregame lightning delay and a power outage during the game to beat Southern Illinois, 64-29, in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night.

The No. 14-ranked Cardinals (1-0) were led by quarterback Lindsey Scott, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns.

The 35-point setback was a tough pill for the No. 9-ranked Salukis to swallow.

“It starts with me,” the SIU head coach said. nick hill. “I’m disappointed with the way we came out here and performed. I think we have a better football team than that, but until we come out and prove it, it’s all talk.”

Earlier in the week, Hill said his defense needed to limit the big plays, but tonight he delivered TD strikes of 66, 55, 79, 36, 38 and 38 yards.

“They were all explosive touchdown passes,” Hill said. “You’re not going to win any games doing that.”

The Salukis (0-1) had a disastrous first quarter, falling behind, 22-0. Twice, SIU gambler nathan torney he had the fast sail over his head, resulting in losses of 29 and 40 yards. The first errant snap went past the end zone for a safety, while the second ultimately led to an Incarnate Word touchdown.

“A lot of this game is about momentum,” Hill said. “You have to try and get that momentum back.”

Seconds after UIW scored their 22nd point, the lights literally went out. Fans and players were left in the dark for about 20 minutes before power was restored.

“There were a lot of things that happened in the first half that weren’t good,” Hill said wryly.

The Salukis finally stole the momentum in the second quarter as they rallied to cut the deficit to 29-16 at the half.

The comeback began by running back Elliott River he ran 55 yards down the right sideline to score a touchdown on a big fourth-down conversion. Later, justin strong scored from six yards, and jake baumgarte he ended the half with a 47-yard field goal.

Southern got the ball first in the second half and got into position to make it a one-touchdown game. SIU had a first-and-goal in UIW 2, but lost 12 yards in three plays and settled for a Baumgarte field goal to make it 29-19. It was a disappointing ending to a 19-move series.

SIU quarterback only baker, who completed 19 of 31 passes for 175 yards, was under heavy pressure throughout the game and was sacked five times. He also threw a pick-six in the third quarter. Hill said four O-Line starters left the field at various times due to injuries or cramps.

Not including errant punts, Southern’s offense was outscored, 550-397. Elliott led SIU with 103 rushing yards and Advance Cox he had six receptions for 57 yards.

The Salukis return home next Saturday to take on local rival SEMO in the annual war for the wheel.

“You have no choice but to look in the mirror and go back to work,” Hill said. “We’re going to have to put this game behind us, after we watch the movie and make the corrections, be honest with ourselves about what we need to improve on.”

“I know this team has it,” he concluded. “We have to come back and find a way to get back to 1-1.”