Box Score CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – The Mississippi University for Women men's soccer team gave the University of the Ozarks the first "blemish" on its 2022 record, forging a 1-1 tie on the road. The Eagles had won both of their previous contests coming into the match versus the Owls (0-1-1), not to mention blistering The W last season (6-1).
 
Wednesday's match-up was far different for MUW, in a positive way, than in 2021.
 
"The first half we played how we wanted," The W Head Coach BJ Pheasant said. "Solid defense made them predictable. Offensively, we possessed on the wings. We got a nice set play goal against the 2021 ASC conference champs. The second half they came out hard and we withstood the pressure to come away with the draw."

Senior Aussie Salgado got The W on the board in the 17th minute. Salgado received a pass from Kai VanCourt and promptly put the ball past Eagles' goalkeeper Caleb Anderson to give the Owls the 1-0 lead.
 
Then in the 23rd minute, UO scored a controversial penalty kick goal. The Eagles Luke Clingerman took the PK and Owls net-minder David McCutchen made the save. However, the official ruled McCutchen had come off of his line and awarded Clingerman a second opportunity, which he converted for the 1-1 score.
 
McCutchen made a total of seven saves, including a game-saver in the final seconds. Likewise, the Owls defense earned Pheasant's praise.
 
"Pressing up front by Tres (Ray), Aussie (Salgado), and Poco (Pocasangre) kept them off balance and led to turn overs," Pheasant added. "In the midfield Pedro (Santana) and Graham (Rodney) were physical in holding their ground. In the back line they kept composure through the game. Hagan (Roberts) kept the calm flowing."
 
With no overtime in regular season contests this year, Pheasant's Owls settled for the tie with the Eagles.
 
MUW will next play its 2022 home opener on Saturday (12 p.m.) versus Blue Mountain College at the Lowndes County Soccer Complex.