CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 8 Rogers State men's soccer (7-1-2, 3-1-0 GAC/MIAA) bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Newman (4-2-3, 1-1-1 GAC/MIAA) on homecoming Saturday at Soldier Field.

Rogers State and Newman began their match with active play and several early opportunities. Freshman Harkaran Sahota broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, scoring his first career goal with an assist from Oliver Hemlin to put RSU ahead 1-0. In the 40th minute, a penalty kick by Hemlin extended the lead to 2-0. The first half ended with the Hillcats holding a two-goal advantage over the Jets, as both teams battled through a half marked by multiple fouls and offside calls.

RSU extended their lead early in the second half when Brandon O'Rourke scored in the 54th minute, assisted by Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards, bringing the score to 3-0. The Jets quickly responded with a goal from Gregoire Henri in the 55th minute, narrowing the gap to 3-1. Despite several attempts, including a saved shot by Hemlin in the 57th minute, the Hillcats could not add to their tally. Francisco Pinochet was active in goal for the Jets, making multiple key saves to keep the score unchanged, while Jaxon Kendall made crucial stops for RSU. The half ended with RSU maintaining a two-goal advantage.

The Hillcats took 21 shots, with 12 on goal, while the Jets had 16 shots, of which only four were on goal.

Hemlin contributed significantly by scoring one goal and assisting another, while securing the game-winning goal for the Hillcats. O'Rourke scored once and led the team with four shots, two of which were on target. Kendall made three saves in goal, allowing just one against 16 shots faced. Sahota added to the scoreline with a goal from his only shot of the match.

Rogers State will return to action next Saturday with a big matchup against Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (4-2-2, 2-0-1) in Bethany, Oklahoma. Kickoff from Wes Harmon Field is slated for 7:00 p.m.