FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State handed Central Missouri its first loss of the season on Sunday (Oct. 4) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers knocked off the No. 1 ranked team in the nation by a score of 2-1, moving to 6-4 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA.
The Tigers and Jennies (9-1, 3-1 MIAA) went scoreless through the first half, but Kelsey Steffens quickly threw momentum in Fort Hays State’s favor with a goal just 2:41 into the second half in the 48th minute. She buried a shot from the top of the box in the low left corner after taking a pass from Gabrielle Makatura.
Central Missouri, which averaged better than four goals per match entering Sunday, went scoreless until a defensive breakdown by the Tigers in the box at 69:32. Megan Woolley took advantage of an open net after the Tigers couldn’t corral a ball from Abby Rhodes, tying the match 1-1.
The Tigers were not deterred by the UCM goal as Savannah McClease put an excellent strike on the ball just over two minutes later off a blocked shot from the foot of Veronica Kurtz. The ball ricocheted up off the fingertips of the keeper, off the cross bar, and off the back side of the keeper, falling across the line into the net.
The Tiger defense closed the deal the rest of the way, giving FHSU one of its biggest wins in program history. UCM took 16 shots in the game, but only five were on goal. FHSU had just eight shots, but two of the four on goal found the net.
Kristen Thompson had four saves to move to 5-3 at goalkeeper this season. Ana Dilkes took her first loss of the season, now 9-1, with just two saves.
The Tigers will take a three-match win streak to Northeastern State next Friday. Match time is set for 7 pm in Tahlequah, Okla.