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Howard Payne Men Use Late First Half Goal To Edge Eagles

Howard Payne Men Use Late First Half Goal To Edge Eagles

Clarksville, Ark.-Howard Payne University scored a goal in the 39th minute and then held off an Ozarks' rally in the second half to secure a 1-0 win Saturday in American Southwest Conference play.
 
The Yellow Jackets (3-9-1, 2-6-1 ASC) were able to spoil "Senior Day" with the game-winner off a free kick in the first half. Kevin Ruiz's kick from 25 yards out bounced off an Ozarks' defender and into the net to propel the visitors to just their second conference win. Ozarks (8-6-2, 4-2-1 ASC) would get seven shots off and four corner kicks in the first half, but came up empty. In the second half, Ozarks was impressive on the offensive attack recording ten more shots. The Eagles were also able to generate eight corner kicks.  The Eagles came close to scoring on a number of occasions in the second half, most notably when Thomas Mills and Shaun Keane recorded back-to-back shots in the 80th minute. Ozarks had a final close range shot with just four seconds left, but it went wide.
    
Ozarks finished with 17 shots, while Howard Payne totaled 12. Ozarks held a 12-1 corner kick advantage.  Austin Benner had seven saves in goal for Ozarks.
    
Ozarks will end regular season conference play against Mary Hardin-Baylor October 31 and Concordia University Texas November 1 on the road.