CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State men's soccer (11-4-3, 7-3-2 GAC/MIAA) drew 1-1 with Harding (4-7-3, 4-5-3 GAC/MIAA) on Senior Day in the regular season finale on Saturday.
Ruben Carrasco scored the lone goal for the Hillcats. Declan Viljoen continued his excellent play in goal with five saves and only allowed the one goal.
The opening 45 minutes were a defensive stalemate for most of the period as RSU out shot the Bison 6-3. However, the Bison were able to make a play late in the half as Elliott Bracy got behind the Hillcat defense to put the visitors up 1-0 in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, the Hillcats cranked up the offensive pressure as they out shot Harding 10-5. RSU had multiple chances to score in the period and finally broke through as Carrasco connected on the equalizer to square things at 1-1 in the 71st minute. Things would remain tied at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
Neither team could get much going in the first overtime period as they both were only able get off one shot apiece. In the second overtime period though, Luke Morgan fired a shot in only to have it saved by the Bison keeper in the 104th minute. Later in the period, Viljoen made two game saving plays of his own in the 106th and 109th minutes to force the match to a draw.
RSU now turns its attention to the GAC/MIAA Tournament which is set to begin on Thursday, Nov. 11 in Bethany, Okla. where the Hillcats will likely take on Fort Hays State in the semifinals. Stay tuned to www.rsuhillcats.com for game times when they are announced.
