Story and photos by KYSON EVANS
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State University women’s soccer team struggled to find its footing against Pittsburg State University on Sunday afternoon, falling 1-0 in a match defined by wind, possession and relentless pressure from the Gorillas.
PSU dominated the stat sheet with a 17–0 shot advantage, keeping the Tigers pinned back for much of the contest.
FHSU head coach Tyson John admitted his team was slow to settle into the game.
“We just knew that it was going to come in and it was going to be a dog fight. And by the time we decided to fight back, it was a little bit too late,” he said.
Playing at home in Hays, the Tigers (2-4-1 overall, 1-0-1 MIAA) had the advantage of a strong tailwind in the first half but couldn’t capitalize.
“We didn’t take our opportunities in the first half. And so you definitely know it’s going to be a long second half when you’re going against the wind,” John said.
Despite some early counterattacks, Fort Hays State struggled to involve its attacking players consistently, particularly standout forward Sydney Cotter.
“We weren’t able to get Sydney on the ball as much as we wanted to today,” John said. “From a possession standpoint, I know that if you have to spend the entire game not with the ball, that’s gonna happen.”
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for improvement in chance creation.
“We’ve got to find better ways of creating chances … go and have a look at this and really analyze and evaluate,” John said.
For Pittsburg State (6-1-1, 1-0-1), it was a performance fueled by work rate and depth. Head coach Wes Branstetter credited his team’s collective effort.
“The wingers did a great job of just consistently running,” he said.
“They did it over and over, and I think that kind of wore them out a little bit. But it also helps us not let them have the ball, too. So it’s just a good team effort all around. I think we press from the front all the way to the back. I think it just did a great job. And that’s tough on a Sunday, on the road, when you’ve traveled a lot.”
Branstetter also highlighted how the notorious Hays wind factored into their strategy.
“I had a mentor once tell me what it was like on a Sunday game to go against the wind in the first half, because the game usually starts slow,” he said.
“I felt like if we could just get it to our wingers and run, then in the second half, I was like, now we can really put the press on and not let them out, because it’s difficult. You’re clearing the ball into the wind now; it’s difficult.”
Still, the Gorillas had to work hard for their breakthrough despite the heavy shot margin. Branstetter pointed to the difficulty of finishing chances consistently.
“It’s the hardest thing to do in the game of soccer,” he said.
“It’s so impressive when teams can score goals, because it’s so hard. Doesn’t matter the opponent’s level. It’s just difficult to do.”
PSU’s focus shifts to recovery and preparation for their upcoming four-game homestand.
“Honestly, recovery. And then we’re focused on Roger State,” Branstetter said. “Just get our legs back under us and get up for Roger State on Friday.”
The loss leaves Fort Hays State searching for solutions heading into the heart of the MIAA schedule against Central Missouri on Friday and Emporia State on Sunday, both on the road.
This story was written as part of INF 322: Sports Writing, a course in the Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University.