Clarksville, Ark.-The Eagles staged a monumental second half comeback only to see Hardin-Simmons net the game-winner in the 104th minute to earn a 4-3 overtime win Saturday in American Southwest Conference action.
The Eagles (3-5-0, 2-2-0 ASC) trailed 3-1 at the half, but started a furious comeback in the second half to send the match into overtime. It was a classic battle between two of the ASC’s top programs the last decade as each team ended the match nearly identical in the statistics column. Hardin-Simmons (2-3-2, 2-1-1 ASC) held a narrow 14-13 shots advantage and a 4-3 corners kicks advantage. Ozarks recorded seven saves, while the Cowboys tallied six.
Ozarks gained the momentum early on as Eloy Salgado energized the Eagles with a beautiful goal on a free kick from 25 yards out just two minutes into the match. The Cowboys regained the momentum by scoring in the 13th minute, 20th minute and 35th minute. Trailing 3-1 to start the second half, Ozarks mounted its own comeback when Tanner Holman scored in the 56th minute. Hardin-Simmons goalkeeper Logan Walters got a hand on it, but Holman’s shot narrowed the score to 3-2. Salgado was credited with the assist. Guido Salas hit a rocket past Walters in the 67th minute to tie the match 3-3. Cesar Cuevas received the assist. Just prior to that, Josh Duncan had a header in the open that went right to Walters. In the first overtime, Ozarks goalkeeper Neil Thompson made a great save on Chris Hunter’s shot attempt to keep the match a tie. But Taylor Jackson’s header with six minutes left in the match proved to be the game-winner.
Holman finished with a team-best four shots for Ozarks.
Ozarks will travel to Texas to face Mary Hardin-Baylor September 30 and Howard Payne
Topics: Athletics