Air Force Downs the UIW Cardinals, 3-1

SAN ANTONIO - Air Force is back in the win column follow a 3-1 Western Athletic Conference win over Incarnate Word, Wednesday afternoon, at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. The Falcons' overall record improves to 2-4-1, a mark that reflects their league record, while UIW drops to 2-5.

A quick touch from Giuliano Daniel to Michael Neacsu in the 32^nd minute yielded the first strike of the match. Daniel, in stride down the right side of the field found the opportunity Air Force was looking for as he flicked the ball to Neacsu who put the ball on a line to the top-right shelf, lifting the Falcons to their first first-half lead since the season opener on February 6.

Air Force connected on its second strike just moments after the halftime break as Thaddaeus Dewing dished a quick touch to Daniel who then one-touched it to Ayman Bushara who finished high and right for his first career goal. Daniel's pair of assists on the match increased his season total to three while Dewing was credited with his first assist.

The Falcons gave the Cardinals a breath of life as an errant strike led to an own-goal in the 57^th minute. Determined to put Incarnate Word away, Elijah Bussey received the ball from Neacsu on the nearside of the field and continued with a ball-handling clinic, finessing past three Cardinal defenders for an open shot at close-range and finishing top-right for his first goal of the season.

With an insurance goal locked in, Air Force did not bother to let up, keeping UIW on their heels with two additional shots on target by the expiration of time.

At the final horn, Air Force led in shots, 7(4) to Incarnate Word's 6(3). London Aghedo, Max Sole and Giuliano Daniel anchored a staunch defensive and midfield effort, logging 90 minutes of action apiece. Junior goalie Kainoa Likewise recorded three saves in goal, winning his second match of the season.

"It was a great team effort today," head coach Doug Hill said. "We got the message from last week and we had guys that wanted to make plays. I was pleased with the efforts on all parts of the pitch, especially Giuliano Daniel and London Aghedo; they led from the front today. If we continue to play how we did today, then I believe this win sets us up for another win on Monday. We are excited to be back in our home stadium for the first time in over a year."

Air Force returns to the Academy for the remainder of the regular season, hosting California Baptist on Monday, April 5, and Houston Baptist on Saturday, April 10. Both matches are scheduled for a 1 p.m. for kick-off. For the first time this season, the Falcons will open up Cadet Soccer Stadium. A live stream and live stats will be available for the match.

Footer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the u.s air force of non-u.s. government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the u.s. air force may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for department of defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.

Next Event

Team Stats

Michael Neacsu

Elijah Bussey

Ayman Bushara

Giuliano Daniel

Players Mentioned

London Aghedo

Ayman Bushara

Elijah Bussey

Giuliano Daniel

Thaddaeus Dewing

Kainoa Likewise

Michael Neacsu

Max Sole

Players Mentioned

London Aghedo

Ayman Bushara

Elijah Bussey

Giuliano Daniel

Thaddaeus Dewing

Kainoa Likewise

Michael Neacsu

Max Sole

Footer