Republic goalkeeper Koal Williams turned in a clutch performance Tuesday night, stopping three of four penalty kicks to lift Republic past Webb City 1–0 in a shootout at home. The win marked Republic’s fifth in its last six matches and its seventh shutout of the season.
The match was scoreless through regulation and two overtime periods despite plenty of chances for both sides. Republic outshot Webb City 20–17 and held a 9–8 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers also earned five corner kicks to the Cardinals’ one, keeping steady pressure throughout.
When the match went to penalties, Williams took over. He turned away Webb City’s first two attempts, then stopped another after three Republic makes sealed it. Mason Tackett, William Pinnell, and Maddox Aldridge all converted their kicks for the Tigers, giving Republic a 3–1 edge in the tiebreaker.
Afterward, Williams said preparation and composure made the difference. “Watching film is a big thing,” he said. “You can go watch how they used to kick. What I like to do is just sit there and stare, watch their eyes. They like to do snake eyes, which is where they look one way and kick the other. Just getting in their head is the biggest thing.”
He said the pressure moments are what he enjoys most about goalkeeping. “It’s my favorite thing, honestly,” Williams said. “Just taking PKs and saving them—it’s like the best feeling ever. It’s like scoring a goal, to be honest.”
Republic’s defense has been nearly airtight over the past three weeks. The Tigers have allowed only two goals in their last eight matches and have posted six shutouts in their last seven. After starting the season 1–10, Republic is now 7–11 heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The Tigers host Neosho Thursday.
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