BY TRISTAN SASSE
On Friday night, both Fort Hays State soccer team’s were in action. The men’s team entered Friday still searching for their first win of the season after starting 0-4-2. After many close contests in the previous weeks, the Tigers were ready to begin MIAA play against Southwest Baptist. Later on, the Lady Tigers would face Washburn. Coming off a 3-2 victory at Emporia State, the women’s team was ready to improve their 3-1-2 record before heading into MIAA conference action on Sunday.
The men’s team was showcased first, and they exhibited absolute domination from start to finish. In the first half, the opposing SBU Bearcats were playing against the wind. Friday’s wind gusts exceeded over twenty miles per hour and the Bearcats were not prepared. The Tigers scored two early goals to take a commanding lead. Abdoulaye Cisse scored in the opening minutes and Raul Fierro capitalized with a goal of his own a few minutes later. Brian Ness assisted on both goals. The Tigers were unable to score the rest of the half, but still gave a strong attacking effort on the offensive end.
FHSU began the second half once again in command. In a little over ten minutes, the Tigers offense put together four successful offensive strikes. The barrage began with Fierro’s second goal of the night. Less than three minutes later, Fierro completed the hat trick.
In the following minutes, the Tigers continued to apply pressure to the Bearcats. Goals by Sergio Villalba and Derick Gonzalez gave Fort Hays an insurmountable six-goal lead. Near the end of action, FHSU’s Christopher Johnson tacked on a goal of his own and the Tigers won, 7-0.
On the night, the Tigers had an unreal offensive display and outshot SBU, 33-1. Defender Caesar Jones was able to get the Tigers rolling from the defensive end.
“I think our team just has to work on being consistent all the time and that consistency will show just how great of a team we have,” Jones stated.
The Tigers will look to continue to show their consistency on Sunday against Northeastern State.
The Lady Tigers faced a far different outcome in the following game. Both the Tigers and Ichabods entered Friday with similar records. Defense was a major factor for each team throughout. FHSU had many shot attempts in the match, but less shots on goal.
Washburn was able to take the lead over halfway through the first half. Paige Ledesma found Ellie Karloff for her first goal of the season. Overall, Fort Hays was unable to convert on any of their 13 shot attempts. Washburn took far fewer shots (6) in the match, but had five shots on goal. After ninety minutes, the Lady Tigers were defeated, 0-1. Washburn improved to 4-2-1, while FHSU fell to 3-2-2.
The Lady Tigers will try to get back on track on Sunday, with a rematch against MIAA foe, Emporia State. Friday was the beginning of a four-game home stand for the Lady Tigers.