Belton, TX – The Hardin-Simmons University men's soccer team broke open a close match with a pair of late goals as the Cowboys posted a 3-1 victory over the University of the Ozarks in an American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament semifinal match Saturday in Belton. The Cowboys improve to 10-2-5 on the season with the victory. The loss ends Ozarks season at 12-5-3 overall.
The two teams were scoreless through the first half as both defenses played well. HSU finally broke through when John Anumu scored off an assist from Chris Hunter 3:04 into the second half. Ozarks would tie the match at one when Brandon VanCleave scored on a penalty kick at the 53:52 mark. The Cowboys would retake the lead when Estevan Arbiaza converted an Isaiah Hicks assist 70:13 into the match. Hardin-Simmons added some breathing room when Tyler Murray scored an unassisted goal with 7:32 left to play.
Logan Waters finished with three saves in goal for Hardin-Simmons. Neil Thompson had two saves in goal for the Eagles. Both teams had 15 total shots in the match.
Hardin-Simmons will now advance to tomorrow's Championship Match to face tournament host Mary Hardin-Baylor in a 1:00 PM start. The Cowboys have won six ASC titles. HSU lost the regular season meeting against the Cru 1-0 two weeks ago in Belton.
