WICHITA, Kan. – The Rogers State men's soccer team fell, 2-1, on a late goal in the 88th minute at Newman in the Heartland Conference Tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday (Nov. 1). The loss ends the 2016 season for RSU as the Hillcats posted a 10-6-3 record in their first season as NCAA Division II members.
 
NU scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute on a shot from Chibueze Nwagwu for the 2-1 score. NU's Gbonju Odukale sent in a long cross that Nwagwu knocked in for the lone goal of the second half.
 
The two teams scored one goal each in the first period. The Jets gained an early 1-0 lead in the 14th minute of action as Tommy Fiszel hit from the top of the box with the shot going off the post and in for the 1-0 advantage.
 
RSU evened the score at 1-1 late in the first half. Sophomore Kevin Kwarteng knocked in a deflected shot inside the left post for the equalizer. Chris Sowder got the assist on the tally as his shot was deflected.
 
The Hillcats had some close opportunities to add to their one goal. Jake Simpson had an open goal, but missed his attempt to the left of goal midway through the first half. In the second half, a Danny Sanchez shot knocked off the crossbar to keep the score tied.
 
NU played the final 10 minutes with only 10 players after a red card was given due to two yellow cards received by Kieren Laking. Four yellow cards and two red cards were awarded in the final 13 minutes of the contest.
 
For the game, NU held a 13-6 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge in shots on goal. Kwarteng and Simpson posted two shots each for RSU.
 
Cody Gammill started in goal, going 90 minutes and making six saves.
 
The Hillcats end the season 10-6-3, their second straight 10-win season. The men's soccer team was the first RSU team to appear in a NCAA Division II postseason contest.