The No. 24 Fort Hays State University men’s soccer (6-3-1, 3-2 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) continues their winning streak getting their fourth shutout win in a row.
The Tigers shut out the Harding Bison (2-5-1, 2-3 MIAA) 4-0 Saturday Oct. 4. This puts the Tigers in second place in the MIAA Conference.
Saturday’s game remained scoreless the first half of play; however, that doesn’t do this competitive game justice. Both teams had opportunities in the first half, but were not able to capitalize. The first goal came from an assist by Mauricio Castorino, Asuncion, Paraguay freshman, crossing the ball to the middle of the box to an awaiting Anthony Hernandez, Oklahoma City, OK sophomore, who then one-touched the ball into the net putting the Tigers up 1-0. This was Hernandez’s second goal of the season and a momentum swing for the Tigers.
About three minutes later, David Lucio, Wichita junior, fed the ball from the right side to the top of the box to Diego Cabral, Asuncion, Paraguay senior. Cabral beating his defender punched in the Tiger’s second goal from just inside the top of the box. Tigers now up 2-0.
The Tiger’s next score came from Tanner Brock, Windfield senior, just over 71st minute. Austin Clifton, Wichita junior, with the assist placed the ball in the right spot for Brock; allowing him to gain position and dribble around two Harding defenders. Brock shooting from just inside the box gave the Tiger’s third goal past a diving goalkeeper. The tigers now up 3-0
The final goal of the game came from Daniel Molina, Tempe, AZ junior, around the 88th minute. This was Molina’s first goal of the year and the final dagger to the Harding goalkeeper who thought the ball was too wide of a shot, as he stood and watched the ball bounce off of the side rail into the net. This goal put the Tigers up 4-0 and ended the game.
Overall, the Tigers dominated most of the game only allowing nine shots on goal and just three of those on target. The Tiger’s offense put up 24 shots on goal, with 8 on target. Kent Freund, Garland, TX senior, now has three consecutive shut outs and a total of four for the season.
The Tigers look forward to their game on Thursday against the Upper Iowa Peacocks. The Peacocks having the same record as the Tigers, both in the season and against MIAA opponents, should make the upcoming game competitive and decisive.