Clarksville, Ark.-Goalkeeper Austin Benner came up with a big penalty kick save in the second overtime to help Ozarks end its match against Williams Baptist College with a 0-0 tie Monday afternoon.
Benner was big all day collecting 11 saves, but no stop was bigger than his diving effort against Matheus Assumpcao in the 106th minute. On the penalty kick, Benner read Assumpcao's shot perfectly knocking away the potential game-winner to keep the shutout intact.
"It was an unreal effort today," said head coach Matt Torok. "The guys grew up before our eyes in terms of being introduced to collegiate soccer. They met the challenge and played hard to the whistle. They saw some adversity, but kept fighting and giving effort."
Ozarks (0-1-1) and Williams Baptist (1-0-1) each had a number of scoring opportunities throughout the match. Shaun Keane nearly scored in the 34th minute when his shot bounced off the crossbar and onto the ground, barely missing a goal. Benner then made a nice save just seconds later when he scooped up Assumpcao's shot in the box. At the end of regulation, Williams Baptist held a 13-7 shots advantage.
In the first overtime, Ozarks' attack created a scoring opportunity in the 91st minute when Bryce Young ripped a shot that went wide. With five seconds remaining, Ozarks was awarded a corner kick and Travis Leach had a header that appeared to be going in the back of the net, but Williams Baptist goalkeeper Javier Piedra made an outstanding save to send the game into a second overtime. Williams Baptist penetrated Ozarks' defense early in the second overtime with Matheus Allonso's shot hitting the post.
Ozarks posted ten shots in the match, with Young tallying four.
The Eagles will host Westminster College (Mo.) Saturday, September 6 at 3:00 p.m.
