By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Hays State played to a 1-1 draw in its season-opening match with CSU-Pueblo on Thursday evening (Sept. 5) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers took the lead in the 61st minute on a brilliant strike from Emily Hutchings, but saw the Thunderwolves equalize the game in the 85th minute to force the draw.
With limited offensive chances, it looked as though the Tigers might pick up a win in a match where they were outshot by nine (13-4). But the CSU-Pueblo offensive pressure cashed in late. The Tigers got an 8-save debut from transfer Mackenzie Caldwell in goal, while CSU-Pueblo keeper Jacqueline Dominguez only made two saves in the match.
FHSU had plenty of corner kick chances to potentially generate some offense, winning that category 11-3, but the CSU-Pueblo defense kept the Tigers from putting together many quality opportunities.
Emily Hutchings put the Tigers up 1-0 about 16 minutes into the second half when she struck the ball with her back half-turned out near the top of the box. It threaded through traffic perfectly to the corner of the net. Cameron Farthing answered with about five and a half minutes remaining in the match, heading home a very good free kick into the box from Jerzie Troost.
The Tigers will play one more time at home on Monday (Sept. 9) against Rockhurst at 1 p.m. before leaving Hays for the six matches to follow.