Clarksville, Ark.-Mississippi College's Drew Garner scored in the 23rd minute in what would prove to be the game-winner as the Choctaws fought off a late Ozarks' surge to hold on to a 1-0 win in American Southwest Conference play Saturday.
In what was a typical Ozarks-Mississippi College battle, the two teams combined for 27 fouls, nine yellow cards and four red cards. The Choctaws (3-2-0, 1-1-0) held a 17-6 shot advantage and recorded nine shots on goal. With the Choctaws leading 1-0, Ozarks (2-4-0, 1-1-0) goalkeeper Neil Thompson made a leaping save in the 50th minute to keep Mississippi College from adding another goal. Just three minutes later, Thompson made another good save on Logan Jones’ shot to give the Eagles a boost. Ozarks gained some momentum late in the match after three red cards were handed out within a one-minute span. It was Choctaw goalkeeper Andrew Dailey’s red card in the 86th minute that nearly changed the match’s outcome as Ozarks was awarded a penalty kick opportunity. However, Dailey’s replacement dove to his left and just nicked Logan Hornback’s shot attempt sending it off the post to keep the Eagles scoreless. Ozarks totaled four shots in the second half.
Thompson posted eight saves.
Ozarks will travel to Abilene, Texas, to face McMurry University September 24 and Hardin-Simmons University September 25.
Topics: Athletics