By CAYDEN SANDERS
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State men’s soccer team (9-0-2, 5-0) moved up to No. 6 in this week’s United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll – the highest ranking since 2019 – and will put that ranking to the test when they host Newman (5-2-4, 2-1-2) at home on Thursday and play Northeastern State (6-4-2, 3-3) on the road on Saturday.
“This is a tough week; both teams have shown their strength across this season. They are two different teams that we are going to need to be focused on,” senior midfielder Tadhg Walsh said. “Both teams are on the come-up from last year, and in this conference, anyone can beat anyone on any given day.”
Newman is a team that likes to have lengthy possessions with the ball, which is something FHSU Head Coach Alex Nichols said will pose a challenge for the Tigers.
“We need to play organized against Newman; they love to hold possessions and if they are able to be successful in their scheme, then it will be a problem,” Nichols said.
For FHSU Assistant Coach Felix Tellez Ramirez, the game against Newman means more for him as he is a former Jet player.
During his time in Wichita, Tellez Ramirez had 14 career assists, the most in program history. He is also tied for 7th with the most career goals, netting 10 total scores.
“I cherish my time at Newman. I was an All-GAC player multiple times during my time there when Newman was not in the top four in the conference,” Tellez Ramirez said. “I was there for coach (Victor) Domingues, so I have respect for their program and where they are now.”
After three seasons with Newman, Tellez Ramirez came to Fort Hays State in 2024 to play for Nichols during his first season with the program.
Tellez Ramirez and last season’s squad made it to the second round in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. This season, Tellez Ramirez is leading a white hot team halfway through conference play.
“My time here has been amazing. When Nichols came in, I wanted to have a plan for my future and it has landed me here. Being a part of last year’s team gave me a different look being a part of a more winning team,” Tellez Ramirez said. “Now, being a part of the coaching staff is what I wanted; I wanted to follow Coach Nichols.”
On Saturday, the Tigers will take on a Northeastern State team that has historically created challenges for FHSU, as Fort Hays is 4-6-5 on the road against Northeastern State all-time.
“Northeastern State is hard to play at their place, not that they’re easy to play anytime, but they’re definitely the toughest to play at their place, and it brings a different challenge. So we can’t take anything for granted,” Nichols said. “We are going to put ourselves in a good position if we go in humble and motivated, and play as a unit. We’ve got a good chance, but they’re a good team, and we have a lot of respect for them.”
Fort Hays State will take on Newman tonight at 7:00 p.m. for senior night at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers will go on the road to Northeastern State for a 1:00 p.m. first touch on Saturday.