The Tigers had fallen behind early, when Branson scored in the 12th minute on a rebound off a diving save attempt by Republic goalkeeper Joel Adams.
Republic tied the game near the end of the first half, when Mitchell Heinzler drilled the ball just inside the right post, past the diving Branson goalie.
The score stayed 1-1 throughout the second half, but Republic struck quickly in overtime. Jacob Goetz delivered the ball in the air, setting up the winning run by Bean. As Branson’s goalie came out from the net to grab the ball, Bean beat him to it, heading it over his fingertips. The ball bounced into the goal as Branson’s goalie chased it, diving, but unable to stop it from crossing the goal line for the game winner.
Coach Mike Hines says the COC win over a good Branson team is a milestone for the Republic program, because “winning has to become a habit.” And he says the Branson victory is one his team can draw on for inspiration later in the season.
The Tigers return to action Friday in the Parkview Viking Showdown.