Richardson, Texas-Bryce Young scored the game-winning goal in the 76th minute against Howard Payne University to propel the U of O men's soccer team to a 1-0 win Thursday and into the semi-finals of the American Southwest Conference Tournament.
Ozarks (10-7-2) will face Hardin-Simmons University Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on the campus of UT-Dallas.
Postgame Video Interview With Coach Torok: http://youtu.be/xU_hbJvaboE
Bryce Young Game-Winning Goal: http://youtu.be/eNNaqUVkNPg
Against Howard Payne (5-10-1), Ozarks put pressure on the Yellow Jacket defense in the second half and eventually broke the back line late on Young's goal. Shaun Keane gave a perfect ball to Young, who sprinted down the right side and hit an easy shot from 15 yards out past the goalkeeper. The Eagles nearly scored ten minutes into the second half. In the 56th minute, Keane took a free kick from 19 yards out directly in front of the goal. His shot was batted around, with Layne Garcia rebounding it and taking a shot inside the box. Garcia's shot hit off the post, just inches away from netting a score.
"We grinded out a win today," said head coach Matt Torok. "We needed one play, and Bryce provided that for us. Hardin-Simmons is physical and tough. We will need to step up our game."
The Eagles created a number of scoring opportunities, totaling 19 shots in the match. Thomas Mills and Garcia each generated four shots apiece.
Austin Benner played solid in goal, recording five saves. Benner had a few pressure filled saves where Howard Payne had open views of the frame, but came up empty.
