CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State men's soccer (2-4-2, 2-0 GAC/MIAA) used a strong offensive performance to roll to a 4-1 win over Harding (0-5-2, 0-2 GAC/MIAA) on Homecoming Saturday.
 
"Our boys did an outstanding day job today," said Head Coach Derek Larkin. "They did a great job controlling the second half. Now we will rest up and start to get ready for Fort Hays State next week."
 
Four Hillcats found their way onto the scoresheet in the win, with Louis Bassett, Brandon O'Rourke, Lawson Ford and Trindon Turner all striking paydirt. Despite giving up the one goal, Declan Viljoen (2-4) was solid in the net as he saved Harding's only other shot on goal.
 
The first half started quickly as both sides went on the attack straight out of the opening kick. The Bison struck first in the 11th minute as they were able to make a play on the ball for an early 1-0 lead. The Hillcats responded quickly in the 16th minute as Bassett fired a shot off the crossbar that ricocheted into the net for the equalizer off a corner from O'Rourke. In the 27th minute, Bassett returned the favor as he crossed in a ball to O'Rourke, who drove it home to complete the comeback and put RSU in front 2-1. In the 34th minute, Lawson Ford blasted a shot from just outside the penalty box that rebounded off the keeper's glove into the goal to increase the lead to 3-1. Finally, in the 41st minute, Trindon Turner put the Hillcats up 4-1 off a corner from Grayson Horsley.
 
RSU cranked up the defensive pressure in the second half and they smothered any chance of offense for Harding. They outshot the Bison 11-2 in the period with six shots on goal compared to only one late in the half.
 
The Hillcats will be back in action on Thursday, Oct. 3 as they travel to Hays, Kan. to face off against No. 17 Fort Hays State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.