SEARCY, Ark. — 2nd-year goalkeeper Dillon Hart recorded seven saves to anchor a resolute defensive effort as the Harding men's soccer team played No. 25 Rogers State to a 0-0 draw in Great American Conference action Thursday night at Stevens Soccer Complex.
The result earned the Bisons (0-16-1, 0-10-1 GAC) their first point and first clean sheet of the 2026 campaign. Harding entered the contest 3-44-0 all-time against nationally ranked opponents, picking up the first draw against a ranked foe in program history. It also marked the Bisons' first result against a ranked team since a 3-1 home victory over No. 16 Fort Hays State on Oct. 15, 2022.
The 25th-ranked Hillcats (9-4-4, 5-3-3 GAC) held possession for long stretches, outshooting Harding 25-2 and generating eight corner kicks, but the Bisons' defensive unit turned away every challenge over 90 minutes. Hart made two saves in the opening half before turning away five second-half attempts, including key stops on shots from Conor Mills, Gian Filizzola, and Mario Lopez Ayuso in the final 15 minutes to preserve the shutout.
4th-year defender Mario Alejo, 1st-year defender Quin Brice, 3rd-year defender Dylan Chambers, 2nd-year defender Brayden Gallagher, and 2nd-year defender Noah Legge anchored the back line in front of Hart to keep Rogers State off the board.
Harding created an early chance in the 14th minute when 2nd-year forward Maverick McCaig put a shot on target, forcing a save from Hillcat keeper Tristan Miller. 4th-year midfielder Hayden Teixeira supplied the Bisons' other shot attempt in the 68th minute, having a strike blocked in the box.
Match Notes
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Ranked History: Harding moved to 3-44-1 all-time against nationally ranked competition (2-19-1 at home), securing the program's first tie against a ranked team.
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In Net: Hart collected his first collegiate clean sheet, playing all 90 minutes and finishing with seven saves. Miller made one save for Rogers State to earn his fourth shutout of the season.
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Shot Totals: Rogers State held a 25-2 advantage in total shots and a 7-1 edge in shots on target. The Hillcats also earned eight corner kicks to Harding's one.
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Series History: Rogers State now leads the all-time series 11-2-3 across 16 meetings dating back to 2015.
Up Next
Harding concludes its 2026 season at Stevens Soccer Complex on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting Northeastern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
