BY TRISTAN SASSE
For the third time this season, the Fort Hays State University men’s soccer team faced the Northeastern State RiverHawks. This time, the MIAA foes met in the Central Regional Final of the NCAA National Tournament from Philippi, West Virginia. The regular season head-to-head matches were split between the conference rivals. Fort Hays won in Hays on September 24, 2-1 in overtime. On October 15, Northeastern State defeated FHSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 3-1.
In the most important match of the season, the RiverHawks defeated the Tigers in dramatic fashion, 2-1.
Game Recap
On Thursday, the RiverHawks took the first five shots of the game, and outshot FHSU 6-4 in the opening half. The game remained scoreless heading into halftime.
The second half began with Joe Garcia netting a goal for NSU in the 48th minute. FHSU junior forward Abdoulaye Cisse evened the score in the 68th minute with his ninth goal of the season. When the match looked destined for overtime, the RiverHawks’ Jacob Weaver broke the tie with 42 seconds left and NSU went on to win 2-1.
The Riverhawks outshot FHSU 14-8 on the night.
Looking Ahead
Northeastern State (14-5) advances to the National Quarterfinals and faces Rockhurst (15-2-2) on Saturday, November 18 at 1 PM. The regular season MIAA champion Tigers finish the season at 11-6-2.