CLAREMORE, Okla. —
Sam Ryder's first goal of the season propelled the No. 14 Hillcats (9-1-2, 5-1-0 GAC/MIAA) to a 1-0 win on Wednesday over rival Northeastern State (6-4-2, 3-3-0 GAC/MIAA) at Soldier Field. RSU improved to 10-4-3 all-time against NSU with the victory.
The Hillcats maintained defensive strength early on, with
Jaxon Kendall (9-1-2) saving an early attempt by NSU's Ethan VanDusen. The Hillcats' offense responded with multiple opportunities, including a shot by
Brandon O'Rourke and a corner kick soon after.
RSU continued to press, with
Louis Bassett's penalty attempt being saved by the RiverHawks' Cameron McColloch. Despite this, the Hillcats kept the pressure, leading to a series of corner kicks and shots, notably by
Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards and
Hayden Parker. The persistent effort culminated in the 41st minute when Ryder scoring the ultimate game-winner, assisted by
Alex Fletcher, giving RSU a 1-0 lead.
The period concluded with the Hillcats holding the advantage, maintaining their lead at 1-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
The second period began with RSU maintaining their lead and pressing the attack early. Ryder initiated the momentum with a shot shortly after the restart.
Noah Preston-Watkins followed up with multiple attempts, but NSU's goalkeeper, McColloch, managed to keep the score unchanged with key saves.
RSU continued to apply pressure, with Bassett and Parker both contributing shots, although none reached the back of the net. NSU attempted to counter but was unable to capitalize on their chances, as Kendall's save against Carl Murch's strike in the 77th minute preserved the lead. The period concluded with RSU holding their 1-0 advantage, successfully maintaining their defensive stand and closing out the match.
Kendall recorded three saves in 90 minutes to secure his seventh shutout victory for the Hillcats. Bassett was active in the attacking third, registering four shots, one of which was on goal. Preston-Watkins added four shots as well, with a pair on goal.
McColloch stood out for the RiverHawks with five saves, facing 19 shots and conceding just one goal. Murch led the team with three shots, including one on goal. VanDusen contributed two shots and managed one on target, providing defensive stability.
RSU men's soccer will return to action at home on Saturday against Ouachita Baptist (1-7-2, 0-5 GAC/MIAA). The Hillcats defeated the Tigers 2-0 on Sept. 27 in Arkansas.
