By FHSU Sports Information
FAYETTE, Iowa – Yet another season began with the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team traveling to Fayette, Iowa for their first road trip of the season. This time, the Tigers met up with host Upper Iowa for their first regular-season matchup, ultimately falling 1-0 to the Peacocks. FHSU starts the early season at 0-1 overall, while the Peacocks take a 1-0 to start the year.
In a game which saw the Tigers out-shoot the Peacocks 14-8 while also earning the advantage in shots on goal at 6-4, Fort Hays State could not find the back of the net before Upper Iowa. The match remained even until just about mid-way through the first half when the Peacocks took the edge after a corner kick led to a finish in the box by junior Hannah Dotter. This would be the lone goal for either team of the contest.
The Tigers were unable to pick a part the Peacock defense to gain an advantage in the second half. While neither team was able to score in the last 45 minutes, Upper Iowa maintained their lead to take the 1-0 win to start their season, dropping the Tigers in the opener.
Megan Kneefel takes the loss for the Tigers after recording three saves, but giving up the winning goal. Natalie Rudrud earns the victory for Upper Iowa, catching six saves in the match without giving up a goal. In the foul category, the Peacocks suffered six compared to just four for the Tigers.
The Peacocks now even up the all-time series against the Tigers at 2-2. This loss ends a Fort Hays State streak of four-straight opening-season wins. The last time the Tigers lost their first games of a new season was in a 1-0 loss to Southwest Minnesota State in 2013.
Next up for the Tigers is a mid-day Saturday tilt in Fayette against that same Southwest Minnesota State. Last season, Fort Hays State opened up the year in a 6-0 win over the Mustangs. The matchup this weekend is set for 12 p.m.