By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
A dominant second-half performance led Fort Hays State to a 4-0 victory over Harding on Saturday (Oct. 24). The win lifted the Tigers to 8-3-2 overall and 5-2-1 in GAC play, while Harding dropped to 1-10-3 on the season and 1-7 in conference competition.
Both teams remained in a defensive stalemate throughout the first half. Fort Hays State controlled possession, outshooting Harding 9-0, but could not find the back of the net. Collin Hershberger came close to breaking the tie with a powerful strike to the right corner, only for Harding goalkeeper Inigo Chavarria to make a diving save. Chavarria tallied five saves by halftime to keep the match scoreless.
The Tigers came out strong in the second half, capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. Jeremiah Johnson opened the scoring after weaving through defenders from midfield and slotting the ball past the keeper. Moments later, Bryce Dickerson connected with Fabian Gylden Svensson in the box, who set up Bastian Carlman for a clean finish to double the lead.
Fort Hays continued to press, forcing a penalty in the box that Felix Tellex Ramirez converted with precision, making it 3-0. The scoring was capped off by Oliver Wright, who followed up his own shot with a rebound finish, completing the four-goal burst in the second half. The Tiger defense remained impenetrable, holding Harding to just four shots throughout the match, while maintaining offensive control. Fort Hays State outshot Harding 23-4, completing the season series sweep and improving to 16-2 all-time against the Bisons.
Tellex Ramirez led the Tigers with four shots, including three on target. Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Carlman added three shots apiece. Carlman now leads the team with five goals. Ben Dixon came in for the second half, recording a save on Harding’s lone shot on goal. Despite the loss, HU goalkeeper Chavarria put up a valiant effort, saving 10 Tiger shots.
The Tigers close out their home conference schedule on Saturday (Oct. 26) at 6 p.m. against Ouachita Baptist before heading to Oklahoma for a pair of matches next week.