By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
CLAREMORE, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against Rogers State on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 2). The Tigers moved to 10-3-3 overall and 7-2-2 in the GAC, while Rogers State moved to 6-5-5 overall and 6-1-3 in conference action.
The Tigers struck first in the 10th minute when midfielder Bastian Carlman battled for position in the box and struck a well-placed shot into the net for his eighth goal of the season. Rogers State responded in the 34th minute as Erik Hjertsson netted his fifth goal of the season, converting after passes from Louis Bassett and Noah Preston-Watkins to bring the score level. FHSU continued to apply pressure, outshooting RSU 5-3 in the first half, but was unable to convert another opportunity, leaving the score level.
Tiger goalkeeper Jorge Valentin made a monumental save with about a minute to go in a 1-on-1 situation as the last line of defense. Valentin showcased his composure and reflexes, sticking out his foot to deny the potential game-winner. He ended the day with three crucial saves, matching the efforts of Rogers State’s keeper Declan Viljoen, who also tallied three saves.
With the 1-1 draw, Fort Hays State slipped to second in the GAC standings, just one point back of Southern Nazarene. The Crimson Storm jumped into the conference lead with a win on Saturday, sitting on top of FHSU by one point.
The Tigers return to action next week, traveling to Wichita, Kan., to face Newman in their regular season finale on Thursday (Nov. 7). Southern Nazarene also closes its season against Newman on Saturday in Bethany, Okla. Rogers State has two matches to play, sitting three points back of the conference lead.