By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
On another cold afternoon at FHSU Soccer Stadium, the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team fell victim to Northeastern State, 1-0. The Tigers now stand at 8-4-2 (4-2-2 MIAA), while Northeastern State improved its record to 11-4-1 (6-3-0 MIAA).
The first half told the story of the match. Going into a fierce north wind, Cailey Perkins attempted a shot just 90 seconds into the game. That proved to be the only offense the Tigers could muster until the 58th minute. After testing Megan Kneefel early with five shots, the RiverHawks were able to score on their sixth attempt of the match off the foot of Paulina Chavez. Chavez received a pass from Megan Chase and found an opening in the defense before sending the ball past a diving Kneefel. Northeastern State put up another five shots before the half with an 11-1 edge in shots.
With the wind now at their backs, the Tigers fought back in the second half. They put up six shots in the last 30 minutes of the match, testing the defense of the RiverHawks from every angle. However, Northeastern State’s defense withstood the test, allowing the RiverHawks to hang on for the 1-0 victory.
Five different Tigers attempted shots throughout the match, with Perkins and Taryn Schnell taking two shots and Chloe Montano, Jenna Prince and Darby Hirsch adding one shot each. Hirsch was responsible for the only shot on goal. Kneefel (7-3-2) made five saves in the match, including a sprawling save late in the first half to keep the Tigers within one.
The Tigers will play host to Nebraska-Kearney on Friday night (Nov. 1) for their final home match of the regular season. Senior night between the Tigers and Lopers will kick off at 7 p.m. at FHSU Soccer Stadium.