Northern Oklahoma College Men’s Soccer came into the game Wednesday with Murray State needing a win or a tie to move within one win of clinching a second conference championship in five months.
Despite dominating the game statistically, the #19 Mavs (10-3-2) settled for a 1-1 tie, and will now play National Park College Thursday. The Mavs are 7-1-2 in Region 2 action.
A win against the Nighthawks would give the Mavs the championship with one game still to be played.
NOC scored its lone goal when Kevin Ayala intercepted an errant pass by the Murray State keeper and scored for the Mavs. NOC outshot Murray State 28-8
“It was a strange game as they almost always seem to be when we play Murray State.,” said coach Michael DuRoy. “It was one of those days that happen in soccer where the ball just will not go in the net. We had twenty-eight shots. Their keeper made fifteen saves. I give the guys credit for fighting through it and getting the tie. I thought our bench was great today. Those guys came in and made a difference. Now the pressure is on to get the win against National Park, but to be honest we have been under pressure since last April. That’s what happens when you are in first place. Each game is more important than the last.”