WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. - The no. 4 seeded Owls came into Tuesday's AMC Semifinal match against no. 1 Williams Baptist riding a wave of momentum after their quarterfinal win. William Woods (10-6-4) took Williams Baptist (11-3-2) overtime tied 0-0, but gave up a pair of quick goals in the first overtime period and were unable to battle back, losing 2-0.
Sam Allen nearly opened the scoring for Woods in the 8th minute, as he laid out for a diving header on a cross from the left wing. WBU's keeper Rodrigo Pina was able to track across the mouth of the goal and parry the shot wide, then collected the ensuing corner kick.
Pedro Salmon nearly found net for WWU in the 37th minute, as the Owls pressed in the counterattack. A pair of WBU fouls briefly stopped the flow, but Woods was able to maintain the composure and flow, driving to the right corner.
Breck McGrail was able to beat his defender to the end line and send a cross into the box. The Eagles clearance fell right to the feet of Salmon, but his curling effort toward the right side of goal was gathered by Pina at full stretch.
The Owls were unable to generate many chances in the second half, but held Williams Baptist at bay as well to send the match to overtime. Unfortunately, the Eagles found the back of the net in the 92nd minute and again in the 94th off a pair of counterattacks, and Woods was unable to answer in the first ten-minute period of extra time.
WWU mustered a pair of chances in the second ten-minute stanza, as
Miles Andrews saw his shot blocked in the 105th minute and Pina saved an effort by McGrail in the 108th, but the Owls would see their season come to an end.
The Owls held a slim 6-5 lead in shots on goal, but were whistled for 16 fouls while WBU was called for 13.
