Clarksville, Ark.-It was a classic battle between two soccer rivalries Thursday afternoon with the Eagles willing their way to a 2-1 win over American Southwest Conference leader Hardin-Simmons University.
The match displayed fierce effort and outstanding team play for the young Eagles, who are now in second-place behind Texas-Dallas and Hardin-Simmons (tied).
Against the NSCAA No. 6 West region-ranked Cowboys, head coach Matt Torok's team played more like veterans as Ozarks (8-5-2, 4-1-1 ASC) struck first when Travis Leach headed a ball in the back of the net off a free kick in the 23rd minute. Leach's goal ignited a large Ozarks' crowd on a perfect October setting at Hurie Soccer Field. Rondney Lo received the assist. Hardin-Simmons (6-2-2, 5-1-0 ASC) however countered with a goal in the 44th minute to tie the match. Hardin-Simmons owned a 6-2 shots advantage and a 7-1 corner kick advantage after one half of play, but Ozarks grit and determination would come through in the second half. With the score tied at 1-1, Ozarks needed a clutch play and freshman Layne Garcia delivered just that with a beautiful goal after tracking down a ball in the open field. Garcia launched a ball from 30 yards out, which sailed just over the goalkeeper's stretched out hands.
"The boys deserve all the credit after displaying a total team effort today," said Torok. "I am proud of how we fought. Coach Jones and I are pleased with the effort and fight that this group brings on a daily basis. Hardin Simmons is a very physical and dangerous team, and they certainly showed why they are at the top of the ASC. They challenged our guys to match their intensity and physical play. We once again gave up a goal with less than two minutes in a half, but today the boys righted the ship and found a way to get the goal back in the second half. Layne showed a moment of brilliance on his game-winning goal."
Ozarks' goalkeeper Austin Benner recorded eight saves, including a big one in the 72nd minute. Benner was left alone against Hardin-Simmons' Tanner Coffin, who had an open shot, but the junior defensive standout quickly erased the possibility of a goal by positioning himself perfectly and recording a clean save.
"So many guys stepped up today," said Torok. "We had great play from Austin in the second half as he put a wall up on our goal. Our back line of Leach, Luke Byrne, Daniel Valencia and Emilio Vega once again made it difficult for the opponent to find the net. We had tremendous effort from our platoon of midfielders of Shaun Keane, Alex Ross, Austin Hedgpeth, Lo and Tony Ramos. Our forwards of Bryce Young, Thomas Mills, Matt Weaver and Daniel Arend once again stepped up their work rate and helped us defend. This was a tremendous NCAA Division III environment, and I am excited the team gets to experience this type of win."
Watch Layne Garcia Game-Winning Goal Here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/54390326/highlight/566787
Watch second half here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/54390326
Ozarks will host Howard Payne University October 25. "Senior Day" will be held prior to the match.
