Clarksville, Ark.-Johnson Cijulus scored a beautiful goal in the 73rd minute that proved to be the game-winner in Ozarks 3-2 win over American Southwest Conference opponent East Texas Baptist University Thursday afternoon.
East Texas Baptist (1-7-0, 1-1-0 ASC) led briefly in the first half, but Bryan Lemus answered with a goal just minutes later to even the score 1-1. Ozarks (4-3-2, 1-1-0 ASC) then connected on a penalty kick by Stewart Mena in the 19th minute to move in front 2-1 at the half. In the second half, the Tigers tied the match again, 2-2, with a goal in the 62nd minute. Ozarks then fought off five straight corner kicks before Cijulus provided the heroics. Cijulus received the ball 20 yards out, turned and ripped a beautiful goal to give Ozarks the lead for good. Austin Benner recorded three saves in the match for Ozarks.
"I'm proud of the result," said head coach Matt Torok. "To go down again in the first 15 minutes and immediately comeback shows the team can fight back. Finding a way to win against another very dangerous attacking side speaks of the evolution of the team this year. We still have many things to fix in the back, but we were efficient today on the attack having new guys come up with big goals. Johnson hit an absolute bomb for the game-winner. We can enjoy it for a day, but we need to prepare for a team that always works hard in LeTourneau. We must come ready to play."
Fans can re-watch the match here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/74572138
Ozarks will host LeTourneau University Saturday in conference play at 3:00 p.m. The match has been designated as "Soccer Bash 2015" with the community invited to the match for free lunch, games and prizes sponsored by Arvest Bank, Clarksville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce and U of O.
