HAYS, Kan. — No. 17 Rogers State men's (9-2-4, 5-2-2) fell 1-0 to No. 5 Fort Hays State (12-0-3, 8-0-1) on Saturday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.
The first half began with the Hillcats on the defensive, as the Tigers applied early pressure.
Jaxon Kendall made a crucial save in the sixth minute to keep the game scoreless. Despite Kendall's efforts, the Tigers broke through in the ninth minute with a goal by Elias Ovelar Semeniuk, assisted by Joseph Street and Harrison Bensouda.
RSU struggled to maintain possession amid a series of fouls and yellow cards. As the first half concluded, the Hillcats trailed 1-0, with the Tigers maintaining their narrow lead.
The second half began with both teams resuming play, but the Tigers applied early pressure, resulting in multiple corner kicks and a shot saved by Kendall. Despite the Tigers' offensive efforts, Kendall made crucial saves, including a stop against Mamadou Oumar Ndiaye in the 72nd minute and another against Elias Ovelar Semeniuk in the 78th minute, keeping the Hillcats in contention.
The Cats'
Sam Ryder and
Miguel Madrigal attempted to shift momentum with shots that went off target, while
Kaleb Trussell and
Grayson Horsley also had chances but failed to find the net. The half concluded without a change in the score, with RSU maintaining a solid defensive stance against the Tigers' attacks. The match ended with the Hillcats trailing 1-0.
Kendall recorded five saves while facing 15 shots, allowing only one goal in a full 90 minutes of play. Hemlin contributed one shot from the midfield position. Trussell also added a shot, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.
Noah Preston-Watkins attempted one shot from the forward line, maintaining pressure on the opposing defense.
Elias Ovelar Semeniuk stood out for the Tigers, scoring the game-winning goal and leading the team with five shots, including two on goal. Payton Roehrich contributed significantly in goal, registering a shutout with zero goals allowed across 90 minutes. Assists were provided by Harrison Bensouda and Joseph Street, each contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Juan Linares was active offensively, recording three shots with two on target.
RSU will return to action at Soldier Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Southern Nazarene.
