Clarksville, Ark. - The University of the Ozarks men's soccer team battled back in the second half, but a pair of first-half goals proved to be the difference as the Eagles fell 2-1 to Rhodes College Tuesday evening in their season-opener.
Ozarks (0-1-0) found itself in a 2-0 hole at halftime after Rhodes (1-0-0) scored twice during the final 16 minutes of the opening period.
The Lynx opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Paxton O'Leary found the back of the net off an assist from Evan Holsinger. Rhodes added another goal just ten minutes later, with Zach Cardona converting a chance assisted by Holsinger to give the visitors a two-goal advantage.
The Eagles responded with increased pressure after halftime and eventually broke through in the 65th minute. Victor Escobedo put Ozarks on the scoreboard at the 64:53 mark, finishing with a header off a corner kick from Tristan Silence to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Eagles continued to pressure the Rhodes defense throughout the remainder of the match, producing six second-half shots and five corner kicks.
The Eagles finished with 11 shots, including five on goal, while Rhodes recorded 16 shots and 10 shots on target. Ozarks goalkeeper Maksym Maliutenko recorded eight saves in a full 90 minutes of action.
Escobedo led the Eagles offensively with two shots and one goal. Jordan Grimaldo added two shots, while Lyatonga Filos also recorded two shots. Tristan Silence was credited with an assist on Ozarks' lone goal.
Ozarks held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks and forced Rhodes into four saves.
The Eagles will host Huntingdon College September 5.
