Clarksville, Ark.-Hardin-Simmons sophomore forward Baha Israfilov rebounded his own shot in the 27th minute to produce the match's only goal in the Cowboys 1-0 win over the Eagles in Thursday's American Southwest Conference opener.
Fans can re-watch the match here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/73463762
The match pitted two longtime ASC rivals in what would be a hard-fought battle that saw 24 fouls. Hardin-Simmons (2-2-1, 1-0-0 ASC) played a faster tempo early before Ozarks (1-3-2, 0-1-0 ASC) settled into a rhythm. The Cowboys created seven shots and were awarded four corner kicks in the first 17 minutes of play before Ozarks attempted a shot. The Eagles' defense withstood the attack though and improved its effort as the match grew longer. But the Cowboys eventually broke a scoreless match when Israfilov took a shot directly at Ozarks goalkeeper Austin Benner. Benner was able to deflect the shot, but the ball bounced right back to Israfilov in the box and was able to tap it in. Minutes later Hardin-Simmons was on the attack and lofted a ball in the box, but the 6-foot-3 Bradley Rice headed it out of harm's way. Benner came up with two outstanding saves and Travis Leach and Stewart Mena threatened the Cowboys' defense, but both of their shots couldn't find the back of the net. Hardin-Simmons accumulated nine shots in the first half, while Ozarks recorded five.
Ozarks' defense played solid in the second half limiting Hardin-Simmons to no shots. Ozarks created a couple of chances to score, one of which came on a ball from Daniel Valencia. Valencia put a beautiful ball in the box just over the outstretched Mena. Later, Thomas Mills headed a ball that went over the cross bar. In the waning moments, Ozarks had possession of the ball for a last shot, but it went high.
Ozarks totaled four shots in the second half. Benner finished with five saves.
Ozarks will host McMurry University Saturday with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m.
