Republic’s defense was very good, but Willard’s was a little bit better in a 1-0, double-overtime decision that went Willard’s way on Tuesday night.
Willard scored with a little more than a minute left in the second overtime, about a minute short of a shootout. Republic outshot Willard 13-6 and put six shots on goal, and Willard’s keeper saved all six.
Koal Williams, who has moved from goal to the field in recent games as injuries have reshuffled Republic’s lineup, had four of those six shots on goal, all in the second half, and five of Republic’s 13 shots overall. Isaiah Redman had Republic’s other two shots on goal, the last one early in the second overtime.
Enrique Ramirez, who has taken over in goal since Williams moved, faced three Willard shots on goal in almost 99 minutes. He saved one in the 29th minute and a header in the 50th, and Willard’s other three shots before the winner went high or wide.
Republic has lost four in a row, and 14 of its 20 games have been decided by one goal or a shootout. The Tigers are 7-7 in those games.
Republic is 8-12. The Tigers host Carthage Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
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