Clarksville, Ark.-Travis Murnan scored the equalizer with just three seconds remaining to push the match into overtime and Philip Johnson had the game-winner in the 106th minute to help Ozarks past Hendrix College 3-2 Wednesday night.
The dramatic overtime win pushes Ozarks’ record to 3-1-0 under first-year head coach John Cossaboon.
Hendrix (2-1-0) had a strong showing early on, but the Eagles gained momentum as the match progressed. The Warriors scored first from a free kick in the 10th minute. However, Brandon VanCleave answered with a goal of his own in the 32nd minute off a penalty kick. With the scored tied at 1-1, Hendrix took back the lead when Grant Womack scored in the 68th minute off another free kick. Hendrix appeared to have the match in hand with a late 2-1 lead, but Murnan had other plans. The Tulsa, Okla., native took a ball and ripped it from 35 yards out over the keeper’s head to send the match into overtime.
“I got the ball to my chest and right before their defender got to me I just hit it and hit the back post,” said Murnan. “It was incredible to feel the energy afterwards.”
With momentum on their side, Ozarks dominated the first overtime. Both teams had chances to score in the second overtime, but it would be Johnson that provided the heroics. The golden goal came as Seth Anderson found Guido Salas, who sprinted down the right side line and crossed a perfect ball to Johnson. Johnson then did the rest as he launched one over the keeper’s head from the 18.
“I am relieved,” said Johnson. “Guido played a great ball to me. I attacked the ball and hit it on the 18. We started the match slow, but after Travis scored we played well. I am just glad we pulled it out.”
Christian Ridings recorded five saves in goal for the Eagles.
Ozarks tallied 25 total shots, with Francisco Garza leading the way with six. Scott Janders had five shots, while Murnan, Johnson and VanCleave each had three apiece.
The Eagles will host Missouri Baptist University September 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Topics: Athletics