A wind-aided goal with 31 minutes remaining proved to be the difference as Ozark defeated Republic 1-0 in girls soccer action Tuesday night.
Annabelle Kruse scored the game’s lone goal, connecting on a high-arching shot from about 25 yards out that caught the wind and sailed over the outstretched arms of Republic goalkeeper Awbree Berning. It barely passed under the crossbar on its way into the net.
Republic threatened in the final minute with its best opportunity of the second half. Sophie Woolfenden found Cadence Lugar in traffic about 15 yards from the goal, but an Ozark knocked the ball away. Bria Claxton collected the loose ball about 30 yards out and fired a shot, but Ozark’s goalkeeper secured the ball before Lugar and Adison Gibbs could get a touch, allowing the visitors to run out the clock.
Berning kept Republic in the game with an outstanding performance in goal, finishing with 18 saves despite the challenging wind conditions.
Ozark held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks during the match.
The loss drops Republic to 3-4 on the season, while Ozark improves to 3-3.
