FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State men’s soccer team saw their MIAA Championship hopes disappear on Friday (Nov. 6) night. The 25th-ranked Tigers needed two wins in their last two regular season games to clinch the title for the first time in school history but came up short suffering a 1-0 loss to 20th-ranked Upper Iowa.
The first half was a defensive battle with only two shots in the half, both from the Peacocks. The Tigers had a couple good looks, but the Peacock defense was able to thwart the opportunities before the Tigers could get a shot off.
In the second half, the Tigers were able to get off eight shots, including three on goal, but Upper Iowa goalkeeper Connor Rortvedt was up to the task of saving everything sent his way.
Fort Hays State goalkeeper Michael Yantz was equally impressive on the night with three saves, including one impressive diving stop early in the first half to keep the game all square. At the 78:46 mark, the Peacocks were able to find a way to get the ball past Yantz. After a Tiger foul down the left side of the 18-yard box, the Peacocks were awarded a free kick. The ball was crossed into the box by Rhys Williams and Yantz was able to get a piece of it but not enough as the ball bounced to Johnny McBeth and he was able to tap it in for his third goal of the season. That was all Upper Iowa needed to claim the 2015 MIAA Men’s Soccer Championship.
Fort Hays State has one remaining regular season game that takes place on Sunday (Nov. 8) against Lindenwood. Fort Hays State entered the week ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Central Region Rankings.