By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
JOPLIN, Mo. – It took less than twenty minutes for the Fort Hays State women’s soccer team to take a commanding lead at Missouri Southern. After notching two early goals, the Tigers would hold on to their lead to capture the 2-0 road win over the Lions. With the victory, Fort Hays State improves to 7-6-2 and 5-3 in MIAA play. The loss drops Missouri Southern to 7-6-2 and a 3-4-1 conference mark.
The Tigers came out ready to play as they scored their first goal within the first six minutes of the match. Olympia Katsouridis achieved her second goal of the season at the 5:37 mark as the ball deflected off the goalkeeper, giving Cailey Perkins the assist. Just over ten minutes later, Darby Hirsch netted her fourth goal of the season at 16:43 in the first half. The two early goals gave the Tigers a 2-0 advantage, which would remain for the first half.
In the second half, the Tigers controlled the tempo yet were unable to get on the board again, making the 2-0 lead from the first half the final. Fort Hays State and Missouri Southern were even on shots in the match with five each. The Tigers, however, attempted four shots on goal compared to just two hitting target for the Lions.
With just three contests now remaining in MIAA play, the Tigers are tied for fourth in the conference alongside Emporia State. Both teams are even at 5-3 in conference play and the Hornets have the advantage after their 3-2 win over Fort Hays State earlier in the season.
Megan Kneefel earned the win in goal for the Tigers as she improves her record to 6-5-2 overall. With her two saves on the night, Kneefel now owns 59 on the season. For the Lions, Luz Galindo takes the loss despite two saves of her own in the contest. Galindo drops her record on the season to 6-4-1.
Fort Hays State continues their road visits with a tilt at Southwest Baptist on Sunday (Oct. 21). That contest is slated for a 2 p.m. start in Bolivar.