By KYSON EVANS
Tiger Media Network
(Photo courtesy of FHSU Athletics)
While it still might be early in the season, the Fort Hays State University men’s soccer team has put up staggering numbers in its first two contests.
Heading into the team’s home opener at 6 p.m. today against No. 3 Colorado State University-Pueblo, the Tigers are hoping to keep that firepower going.
“It’s still early in the season,” said assistant coach Saad Mohacht. “ … We just got together about less than a month ago. And half of the team is new. The guys are still adapting. The great thing is that this year we have a core of players, leaders that came back and that helps us a lot.”
With an offense that puts up shots by the dozens, the Tigers have been a threat to opponents through the first two matches. FHSU beat Rockhurst to open the year before drawing with Metropolitan State University-Denver.
The Tigers averaged nearly 20 shots per game last fall, which was more than double their opponents. It was a big reason why they were so effective in 2024, averaging nearly 3 goals per game.
Last season, 56 of the team’s 59 goals came from assists, showing FHSU thrives on teamwork and build-up play.
Against CSU-Pueblo, the Tigers are hoping to continue playing fast and aggressively, creating plenty of chances to put the ball in the back of the net. The Thunderwolves lost in the national semifinals a year ago.
“It’s all just about playing together and getting familiar with each other, especially with the new boys in the air, just getting as much reps together,” said team captain Tadhg Walsh.
One of FHSU’s biggest advantages comes from set pieces, especially corners. The Tigers led the nation last season with 163 corners. While the team doesn’t solely rely on them, it’s been deadly when the opportunity arises.
FHSU is hoping that trend continues this fall.
FHSU is known for its aggressive style. The Tigers committed 391 fouls last season, leading to 64 yellow cards. While the physicality helps disrupt opponents, it also comes with risks. Through two matches this season, FHSU has committed 28 fouls and been issued five yellow cards.
“We just like to be aggressive, in their face and make it more difficult for them to play,” Walsh said. “Especially when they’re playing against teams that like to pass it around and stuff like that. … It’s hard for them to play out and do what they want to do.”
That style could challenge CSU-Pueblo to keep its cool and match FHSU’s intensity without getting caught in a game of back-and-forth fouls.
Fort Hays competes in the Great American Conference, while most of the university’s other athletic programs are part of the MIAA.
That unique split allows the team to compete in a conference with schools that match their regional rivals, while other sports benefit from the competitive landscape of the MIAA.
Last year, FHSU won the postseason conference tournament and won its first-round game in the NCAA Division II national tourney before losing its next match in overtime to end the season.
The CSU-Pueblo match is another chance for FHSU to build form ahead of the conference season.
“Our goal didn’t change from last year,” Mohacht said. “We still want to make it all the way to the finals and win it.”
This story was written as part of INF 322: Sports Writing, a course in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University
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