Marco Donjuan scored a goal late in the second half to tie the score 1-1 before the end of regulation, but Carthage fought off the challenge on its home turf, beating Republic on penalty kicks (5-4).
Carthage broke on top with 9:33 remaining in the first half when Elmerson Contreras booted the ball past Drake Lightfoot into the left corner of the net from about 25 yards out. Republic had two opportunities to score in the first half when Will Fronabarger got free up top. But one shot was off the mark and the other opportunity was snuffed out by Carthage goalkeeper Angel Ordonez, who came off his line to stop Fronabarger’s shot.
Carthage controlled possession for most of the second half, but Republic took advantage of a late opportunity. Carthage failed to clear a corner kick by Philip Mason and Donjuan found the ball on the turf at his right foot. He kicked it past Ordonez to even the score with 4:47 remaining.
After two scoreless overtime periods, Carthage got the break it needed when Ordonez guessed correctly on Republic’s third penalty kick by Kalem Murray. Carthage made all five of its kicks to secure the win.
Republic will be back home Thursday for a game against Webb City. The Tigers had been scheduled to play Springfield Central, but the Bulldogs had to postpone, so Webb City agreed to fill the scheduled slot. This will be a non-conference contest, with the scheduled COC match between the schools to happen at its normal time.
