By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Fort Hays State men’s soccer team improved their spring record to 4-1 with a 2-1 defeat of Northeastern State Friday evening (Mar. 26) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers were able to net two goals in the second half and halt a late comeback push from the RiverHawks. With the victory, the Tigers sit alone in second place in the Great American Conference standings.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes of action, FHSU broke through with a goal just five minutes into the second half. Kevin Black had the ball on the right side of the field with multiple NSU defenders surrounding him. Augstin Meza shot down the middle after seeing an opening and netted the setup pass from Black. Northeastern State’s goalkeeper Niklas Kirhoff blocked Meza’s shot with his right leg, but not enough to keep it from rolling to the back of the net. Fort Hays State added an insurance goal midway through the second half off a penalty kick goal from Blake Arndt. His fourth goal of the season later proved to be the difference in the match.
Northeastern State did not go away despite a two-goal deficit. The RiverHawks cut the Tiger lead to one after a successful penalty kick attempt by Flynn Semmerling with under eight minutes remaining in the match. The Tiger defense denied a few late offensive chances for NSU and cemented the victory for the Tigers.
Fort Hays State outshot Northeastern State 21-8. The Tigers placed six shots on goal. Arndt led the team with nine shots and four shots on goal.
Kieran Brown was not tested much, stopping three of the four attempts on goal from Northeastern State. His only blemish was the goal on the penalty kick.
Fort Hays State will wrap up their spring regular season schedule on April 3rd at Rogers State. The Tigers and Hillcats are set to kick from Claremore, Okla. at 3:30 p.m. next Saturday.