Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks Eagles overcame a 3-0 second half deficit only to see Hendrix College score the game-winner with 28 seconds left in overtime to secure a 4-3 win Wednesday afternoon.
The match opened with both teams squandering scoring opportunities within the first ten minutes. The Warriors (2-0-1) scored twice in the first half to hold a 2-0 lead at intermission. Hendrix would add another goal in the 51st minute and appeared to have the game under control. But Ozarks (1-2-0) stormed back behind back-to-back-to-back goals within a 13-minute span. Logan Hornback scored on a header off a corner kick in the 55th minute. Josh Duncan received the assist. Three minutes later, Tanner Holman scored a beautiful left-footed goal from 25 yards out to give the Eagles even more momentum. Eloy Salgado then tied the match, 3-3, on an assist from Marcus Aldaba. Salgado, who came off the bench just prior to his goal, had three shots on frame in the match.
“I think we learned a lot about our team from this game,” said head coach John Cossaboon. “We let ourselves down in first half. We just didn’t have any intensity. Nobody comes back from a 3-0 deficit, and this team did it. That says volumes about what we hope for down the road. I’m very proud of the team and we will build on this. We are headed in the right direction.”
All three of Ozarks’ goals were done in impressive fashion, according to Cossaboon.
“All three of those goals were phenomenal,” said Cossaboon. “Today was an honorable game to witness.”
Marcus Aldaba almost gave Ozarks an advantage in the 85th minute, but his shot hit off the cross bar.
The in-state rivalry, which consists of the only two NCAA III schools in Arkansas, didn’t come without controversy though. The final goal for Hendrix was particularly tough for Ozarks as it appeared the Warriors were offsides.
“I don’t want to comment about that,” said Cossaboon. “Bad calls happen and that is simply part of the game. I don’t want to discredit the boys’ effort today. I don’t want to bring any excuses into the match. I want to give credit to the Hendrix players and coaches. They played a great game.”
Ozarks posted 13 shots, while Hendrix recorded 14. Holman and Salgado finished with three shots apiece.
Neil Thompson had six saves.
Topics: Athletics