By FHSU Sports Information
FAYETTE, Iowa – After getting the 2018 season off to a rocky start, the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team regained their momentum after a dominating 4-1 win over Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday. The Tigers, who suffered a loss in their first contest of the season, bounced back to end the weekend at 1-1. With loss dropped the Mustangs to 0-2 on the year, with both losses coming to MIAA programs.
Both the Tigers and Mustangs were near even in the first half with shot attempts, with Fort Hays State recording six compared to five from Southwest Minnesota State. It wasn’t until the 25th minute of the first half when junior transfer Chloe Montano found the back of the net right over the head of Mustang keeper Jessica Craigmile from 30 feet out. The goal gave the Tigers the 1-0 lead and would be the only score made in the first 45 minutes of play.
After the intermission, the play heated up on the field for the Tigers as they connected for three more goals. Freshman Cailey Perkins capitalized on an assist from Shayla Podlena deflected off the Mustang goalkeeper to put the Tigers up 2-0 at the 59th minute. However, just two minutes later Southwest Minnesota State highlighted on their own attempt as Morgan Darner headed an assist from Kelli Wentz past Fort Hays State goalkeeper Megan Kneefel to close in on the Tiger advantage.
With the match close at 2-1 with still plenty of time left for the Mustangs to come back, Montano picked up the pace to ensure a Tiger win. At the 72nd minute mark, Montano completed yet another 30 -yard strike from the right side to add to the Fort Hays State lead at 3-1. She wasn’t done there, though, as Montano again with just under 30 seconds remaining in regulation decided to capture another goal for the Tigers near the far post. Alongside Montano’s first hat-trick in a Tiger uniform, Fort Hays State was able to earn its first win of the season at 4-1 over Southwest Minnesota State.
Ultimately, the Tigers out-shot the Mustangs 13-8 with eight FHSU attempts on goal. Both goalies in the match each earned an even four saves as Kneefel picks up the win in her second game in goal while Craigmile suffers the loss.
The Tigers will once again hit the road in the early season, this time traveling to Colorado for two matches. First on Friday (Sept. 7), FHSU meets up with No. 3 UC-Colorado Springs for a late-night contest slated for 8 p.m. On Sunday, the Tigers prepare for a 12 p.m. meeting as they face CSU-Pueblo.