ABILENE, Texas – A win would guarantee an American Southwest Conference Tournament berth for McMurry University Men's Soccer. The War Hawks needed extra time to get that win, as senior defender Aaron Webb found the back of the net to give the War Hawks a 1-0 overtime victory over rival Hardin-Simmons University Saturday night at Wilford Moore Stadium to clinch an ASC Tournament berth.
With the game scoreless in the 98th minute, junior midfielder Javi Mejia lined up a corner kick from the right corner. The ball was first headed by sophomore forward Jordan Sczech, and with the ball in the air, Webb headed it into the back of the net for the game-winner.
"We have this rule where we don't lose in overtime, no matter what, and we don't even lose at home, so we stand our ground and fight to the finish," senior defender Josh Erwin said. "Every scouting report that any team has of us says that we play the full 90 minutes, that we push ourselves, we fight. That's what I love about our team."
The Cowboys were in control for much of the match, as the War Hawks relied on their defense to keep them in the game. Sophomore goalkeeper Aidan Keane had eight saves in net for the War Hawks, who were outshot 18-5, including 8-3 on goal.
"So many big things happened tonight," Erwin said. "We're not through yet, but we're so excited to keep pushing forward."
Hardin-Simmons nearly got on the board in the 18th minute, firing off three shots in a matter of seconds. On the third shot, junior midfielder Jesus Sanchez made a kick save on the goal line to keep the match scoreless.
The rivalry heated up as the match got on, as both crowds got into the game and the teams combined for 26 fouls and three second half yellow cards.
"I couldn't be more proud of the guys against a rival team, on senior night to get us into the playoffs," Head Coach Tyler Tarango said. "We can't wait until Tuesday. We don't care who we play, we're just going to be ready for it."
McMurry earned the number seven seed in the ASC Tournament and will travel to face second seeded University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Tuesday night in the opening round. But first, the War Hawks will close out the regular season Sunday at 4 p.m. at Wilford Moore Stadium versus Southwestern Adventist University.
