LUBBOCK, Texas – The Rogers State men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2016 on the road at Lubbock Christian falling 2-0 at the LCU Soccer Field.
 
The Chaps used a pair of late second half goals to prove the difference in the first Heartland Conference match of the season for both sides. It was a tight match where both teams played with pace and fought for every inch of the field combining for 38 shots and 31 fouls.
 
RSU's reigning Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Week, Cody Gammill, kept the contest scoreless in the early going as LCU found space only to be denied by the junior on a breakaway in the 8th minute.
 
The Hillcats had chances throughout the match on numerous set pieces, but could not break through against LCU goalkeeper Fernando Rios on 18 shots and six corner kicks. RSU attacked the defense creating quality looks at goal and nearly took a lead in the 59th minute as Jake Simpson collected a pass from Niall Smith. The sophomore cut to his right foot at the top of the penalty area and ripped a shot to the back post forcing Rios to make a difficult diving save.
 
Cody Graves broke the tie and scored the eventual game winner in the 68th minute for the Chaps before Andres Ramirez added an insurance marker with less than three minutes to play.
 
The Hillcats (3-1-1 overall, 0-1 HC) continue their conference road trip at Texas-Permian Basin Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. in Odessa, Texas. Live stats will be available for the contest and can be found at www.rsuhillcats.com.