ARKADELPHIA- It was the easiest of afternoons for the Tigers, but Ouachita Baptist found a way as it has for most of the 2010 season, in coming away with a 2-1 non-conference men’s soccer victory over Houston-Victoria in front of a nice home crowd in Arkadelphia on Sunday.
Ouachita (11-5) found it difficult to find opportunities in the first half of a scoreless 0-0 tie, as Houston-Victoria and the Tigers each had just one shot. In the second half, however, play was elevated for both teams and it made for an exciting end to the regular season in the home finale.
Sophomore Payam Pourjavad broke a 1-1 tie at 82:31 for the game-winner for the Tigers, as senior Alex Tonrey provided his second assist on the afternoon. Tonrey was part of a trio of players that played their final home match in Arkadelphia. The other seniors in the 2010 Class were defenders John Mark Tohlen and Victor Romero.
The Tigers jumped out on top at the 52nd mark, as freshman Philippe Ichter took the pass from Tonrey to put Ouachita up 1-0.
Houston-Victoria made things interesting at the 79:02 mark, as Walter Anoruo tied the match up at 1-1 with an assist from teammate Zachary Gregory.
Pourjavad then provided the game-winner, sending fans and program supporters into celebration with less than eight minutes remaining. The goal was the third of the season for Pourjavad, while Tonrey recorded his team-high 7th assist on the afternoon.
In what has become commonplace, Ouachita freshman keeper Grayson Townsend finished off the home schedule with a strong outing, recording five saves in 90 minutes.
The Tigers now must play the waiting game, as Harding and Christian Brothers will play in a Gulf South Conference match on Tuesday that will decide whether Ouachita will be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the GSC Tournament in Pensacola, Fla.
