FHSU women play to draw in season opener

Story by ELI BLANKINSHIP Photos by KATIE KUHLMAN

The FHSU Women’s Soccer Team kicked off their season at home last night against CSU-Pueblo in a 90-minute battle that came down to the bitter end. The Tigers tied with the Thunderwolves 1-1. 

Both teams came out with some first-game jitters, but once both sides settled into the moment, they started to play their own brands of soccer. The Tigers were able to create many chances from slow build-up passing, whereas the Thunderwolves used fast-paced counterattacks to create opportunities. Neither team scored in the first half. Going into halftime, FHSU (0-0-1) Head Coach Tyson John’s message to the team was simple. 

“I told them to continue to create chances. We had seven corner kicks in the first half and we didn’t allow any,” John said. 

It eventually took 10 corner kicks for the Tigers to find the back of the net. In the 60th minute, Emily Hutchings ripped a half volley off of a corner kick and found the back-post netting to score the season-opening goal for the Tigers.

Even after falling behind, CSU-Pueblo (0-0-1) kept the attack on all game, putting nine shots on goal and forcing FHSU goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell to make eight saves. However, with just six minutes remaining in the match, the Thunderwolves capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Tigers and scored off of a header by Cameron Farthing.

Both teams made last-ditch efforts at breaking the tie, but ultimately came up short.

FHSU was missing a major piece of the puzzle for their team: Montserrat Diaz. The junior forward is currently in Columbia, playing in the U20 FIFA World Cup for Costa Rica.

“She [Diaz] is a different type of player than a lot of the ones we have,” John said. “I think each player that we have brings something different to the table, but from a creative aspect, I think that being on a national team and having that experience gives you an advantage in a lot of ways.”

After coming up short against Emporia State last season in the NCAA Division II Tournament, the Tigers have high expectations for the 2024 season.

“We don’t get to just not win here and then turn around and start back in the national tournament in the following year,” John said. “You have to earn your way there and it starts from the ground zero.”

The Tigers return to the pitch against Rockhurst at 1 p.m. on Monday from FHSU Soccer Stadium.