CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 8 Rogers State men's soccer (6-1-2, 2-1-0) dropped its first game of the season with a 4-0 defeat to No. 13 Fort Hays State (6-0-2, 2-0-0) at Soldier Field on Thursday night. 

RSU began their match against FHSU with an early offensive push, taking several shots on goal. Noah Preston-Watkins and Alex Fletcher each attempted to score within the first five minutes, but their efforts were thwarted by the Tigers' defense. Hays responded with a goal by Elias Ovelar Semeniuk in the 33rd minute, assisted by Juan Linares, to take a 1-0 lead. Despite multiple corner kicks and shots by the Hillcats, including a notable save by Payton Roehrich on a shot from Louis Bassett, the Hillcats entered halftime trailing by one goal.

The Tigers secured the win with a strong performance in the second half. Semeniuk opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, giving Hays a 2-0 lead. Mario Leal Vales extended the advantage to 3-0 with a goal in the 78th minute. Collin Hershberger capped off the scoring with a goal in the 85th minute, sealing the win at 4-0. Jaxon Kendall made several saves for the Cats', including a crucial one against Tadhg Walsh in the 74th minute.

Kendall recorded five saves in goal, facing 19 shots. Fletcher managed three shots, with one on target. Bassett contributed two shots, both of which were on goal.

RSU will return to action on Saturday to take on the Newman Jets (4-1-3, 1-0-1). The homecoming game will kick off at 1:00 p.m.