Golden Hurricane soccer team victorious in double-OT

The second-ranked University of Tulsa men's soccer team survived a scare Tuesday night when Austin Neil netted the game winning goal in double-overtime to complete a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Missouri State at Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium. Missouri State goalkeeper Alex Riggs made a save on an Ashley McInnes shot, only to see Neil power home the winner seconds later.

Missouri State (2-4)  got on the board first when Edin Sabic scored unassisted on a free kick from near midfield at the 13:43 mark. The Bears held the lead through the first half and well into the second before the Golden Hurricane evened the score. Matt Boullt sent a crossing pass to Adrian Klammer at the 73:41 mark that Klammer sent into the back of the net. 

Tulsa goalkeeper Ray Clark stopped a break-away shot by Missouri State's Jordan Hoffman in the final minute of play to send the game to overtime. The Golden Hurricane out-shot the Bears 17-6 as both teams worked through a scoreless first overtime period before Neil hit the game-winner in the 107th minute. Tulsa posted a 9-4 advantage in shots on goal as they improved to 6-0 on the season.

"We knew this game was going to be a tough game, but we battled it out for the win," said Hurricane Head Coach Tom McIntosh.

The Hurricane now prepares for one of the biggest matches in program history. Tulsa will take it's highest ranking ever into Akron, Ohio to take on the top-ranked Akron Zips (5-0) on Friday. The Zips will present a challenge for the Hurricane as they have not allowed an opponent goal this season.

"Obviously it is going to be a difficult game, but one we are looking forward to," said McIntosh. "We are going to get rested first and foremost, as this game (Missouri State) was a very physical contest and it is a quick turnaround. We will work out our tactics over the next several days and get ourselves ready to go against Akron."

Friday's contest with the Zips will be televised live on the Fox Soccer Channel at 7:00 p.m. Hurricane fans can tune in to Cox Cable channel 262 to catch all of the action.

Tulsa's next home game, against South Carolina, is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. start on Saturday, October 9.