FULTON, Mo.— William Woods men's soccer (4-4-1, 2-3-1 Heart) closed out the second half of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader in thrilling fashion, earning a 2-1 victory over Baker University (2-6-2, 1-3-2 Heart). The Wildcats eliminated the Owls from playoff contention just one year ago.
Baker's offense started the match where it left off last season, firing shot after shot at the Owls' goal. The Wildcats eventually broke through when Bernat Amengual Servera netted his first goal of the season. Baker continued to apply pressure, while its defensive line turned away waves of offensive attempts from the Owls. The mounting frustration resulted in a yellow card for a William Woods midfielder midway through the half.
Both sides generated quality scoring opportunities in the closing minutes, but Baker maintained its one-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Following an early second-half corner kick from the Wildcats that was cleared by the Owls' freshman goalkeeper, Charlie Williams created one of William Woods' best scoring opportunities of the match. The senior midfielder fired a shot toward the far corner through a crowd of Wildcats, but Baker goalkeeper Maxot Arystanov, an All-Conference selection last season, made the save.
In the 70th minute, the Owls finally found the equalizer. Miles Andrews delivered a free kick from just outside the box on the far side, finding Francesco Dibra, who buried his fifth goal of the season. The sophomore from Sassocorvaro Auditore, Italy, placed his shot in the near-side corner, away from Arystanov, who was positioned at the far post.
Just eight and a half minutes later, the Owls cemented their win with another second half goal. Williams floated a pass into the box from the far side, where Yarin Lipski hammered home a header for his first collegiate goal. The freshman from Germany's goal proved to be the difference as William Woods completed the comeback.
The Owls return to the pitch next week against Missouri Baptist.
