GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 2, Hardin-Simmons 1
Records: University of the Ozarks (6-4-1), Hardin-Simmons (8-5-0)
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Abilene, Texas | HSU Soccer Complex
ASC Championship Tournament Semi-Finals
THE BASICS
The Eagles advanced to the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament Finals after defeating host institution Hardin-Simmons University 2-1 Thursday night. The Eagles will play for the ASC Championship against Concordia University Texas Saturday in Abilene at 7:00 p.m. The Eagles scored early in the match to put all the pressure on the Cowboys. Alain Claude struck first in the sixth minute on an assist from Drew Mott. The Eagles held the 1-0 lead all the way into halftime. The Eagles proved to want the match more than Hardin-Simmons as Mott scored on a header in the box in the 54th minute. Lorfils Milord assisted on the goal. The Cowboys barely avoided the shutout by scoring a goal with 13 seconds remaining. The Eagles totaled 13 shots in the match.
"This was a complete team effort," said head coach Aaron Brueckner. "Everyone involved kept feeding the players on the field energy. It was that type of game. Our guys played with heart and battled."
Hardin-Simmons had scored a combined eight goals in the past two matches, but the Eagles were just seconds away from posting a shutout.
"The defense was outstanding," said Brueckner. "They were aggressive, physical and worked as a unit. Overall, the defense gave us stability and it allowed us to attack. We will need that type of effort against Concordia. They attack very well. It will be a great final."
The Eagles will face a Concordia team that defeated UT Dallas 3-0 in the other semi-final match.
"I didn't have to tell them that we are not done," said Brueckner. "They told each other that. The most important game is Saturday."
SCORING SUMMARY
5:38 –Alain Claude
53:26 – Drew Mott
89:46 – Reid Applewhite
KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles scored in the sixth minute to put all the pressure on Hardin-Simmons.
OZARKS STARTERS
Logan Valestin, Jonathan Julmiste, Lorfils Milord, Truman Hensley, Drew Mott, Colin Cosby, Daniel Lyon, Alain Claude, Charleus Emmanuel Ritch, Kyle Seymour, Harry Hilton
OZARKS SUBSTITUTES
Kevin Avalos, Ruaya Zamora, Jackson Rogers, Pedro Gallaga, Tafadzwa Churumanzi
EAGLES' NEXT MATCH
The Eagles will take on Concordia University Texas in the ASC Championship Tournament Finals April 10 in Abilene, Texas.
