SEARCY, Ark. — Nationally ranked Fort Hays State scored a goal in each half to defeat the Harding men's soccer team 2-0 in Great American Conference action Thursday night at Stevens Soccer Complex.
The 14th-ranked Tigers (5-1-2, 3-0-0 GAC) opened the scoring in the 11th minute (10:33) when JJ Espinosa headed in a cross off a free kick sequence assisted by Francisco Degiorgi and Julius Petersson. Fort Hays State extended its advantage in the 74th minute (73:33) as Mario Leal Vales struck from the left side into the top corner following a pass from Daniel Granado.
Harding (0-8-0, 0-2-0 GAC) generated four shots on the evening, putting one on frame. 2nd-year midfielder Spencer Patterson forced a save from FHSU goalkeeper Payton Roehrich in the 61st minute for the Bisons' shot on target. 1st-year forward Jaidan Tabb, 4th-year defender Mario Alejo, and 1st-year defender Quin Brice also recorded shot attempts for Harding.
Match Notes
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In Net: 5th-year goalkeeper Andrew Wagenblatt recorded four saves while playing the full 90 minutes in goal for Harding. Roehrich made one save across 75 minutes for FHSU before giving way to Marco Rosa for the final 15 minutes.
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Shot Totals: Fort Hays State held a 30-4 advantage in total shots and a 6-1 edge in shots on goal. The Tigers also earned nine corner kicks to Harding's three.
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Physical Contest: A whistle-heavy match featured 29 combined fouls (19 on FHSU, 10 on Harding) and six total yellow cards—four charged to Fort Hays State and two to Harding (Patterson and 1st-year midfielder Roy Santibanez).
Up Next
Harding continues GAC play at home Saturday, Sept. 26, hosting Newman at Stevens Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
