BROWNWOOD,  Texas-  The Howard Payne University men's soccer team started off conference play rallying to beat the University of the Ozarks 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Citizens National Bank Field.

Ozarks was the first to score in the match finding the goal in the first minute of the match. The Yellow Jackets would be able to hold them off in a suspenseful match where both teams totaled 17 fouls, four belonging to HPU. The first period ended 1-0, Ozarks. 

Yellow Jackets are able to gain the control of the game in the second half, when Michael Westerman, was fouled in the box and scored on a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Westerman would led the team with a total of five shots and one shot on goal on the day.

HPU's Ricardo Pierce scored the winning goal for the Jackets in the 68th minute on an assist from Collin Salyers.

The Yellow Jackets were able to lead the match in comer kicks 4-2, while they tied the Eagles in total shots 17-17 and saves 3-3.

Howard Payne is now 2-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the American Southwest Conference play, while the University of the Ozarks is now 0-5-1 overall and 0-2-0 in conference action. The Yellow Jackets hit the road Thursday September 20th to play Belhaven University in Jackson Mississippi at 7:30 PM.