Clarksville, Ark.-The men's soccer team trailed for only four minutes before tying the match and then netting the game-winning goal in the first half in Tuesday's 2-1 non-conference win over Williams Baptist College.
Williams Baptist (4-2-0) scored in the 12th minute to take a 1-0 advantage, but Ozarks (3-3-2) would even the match in the 16th minute behind a goal from Matt Weaver. Weaver finished in the box on a great pass from Zahir Bracey. Travis Leach then buried a header with less than 30 seconds left in the half that proved to be the game-winner. It was Leach's second game-winner in as many matches.
"Today was another day of learning how to find a way to win and close out a match," said head coach Matt Torok. "In Saturday's match against McMurry, we faced adversity as a result of coming out lackadaisical and uninspired. We were down a goal and had to figure out how to dig ourselves out. Today against a really talented attacking side we again dug ourselves in a hole, giving up a counter in the first 15 minutes. We scored a goal with a nice run and finish from Weaver to tie it shortly after we trailed. Later, we got our first set piece goal of the year off a beautiful service from Tony Ramos to Travis Leach for the game-winner. It was a nice result, but we need to continue to get tougher in the waning moments of a match."
With less than a minute to go, Williams Baptist made a strong effort to score and nearly did, but goalkeeper Austin Benner made a leaping save to knock the ball away with just two seconds remaining. That was one of nine saves Benner would make.
Fans can re-watch the match here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/73909274
Ozarks will host East Texas Baptist University October 1 and LeTourneau University October 3. "Soccer Bash" 2015 will be held October 3 in conjunction with the match. Games, prizes, lunch and tailgating will be provided for free.
