FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's soccer fought hard but ultimately came up short in a 2-0 loss to No. 7 Central Missouri at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Friday night. The loss snapped a five-match win streak for the Tigers as they moved to 5-2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA. The Jennies remained unbeaten in MIAA play at 3-0 and moved to 6-2-1 overall.
Central Missouri put the pressure on early when Lexi Ruf scored in the 12th minute off an assist from Ashleigh Martin in a fast break situation. Fort Hays State struggled to generate offense in the first half, managing just two shots. However, goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell and the Tigers held firm, with Caldwell making a crucial save to keep the score 1-0 heading into halftime.
The Tigers showed resilience in the second half, with Britney Arneson testing UCM goalkeeper Kristen Wright in the 46th minute, but Jennies continued to create numerous chances offensively. Caldwell made a pair of massive saves in 1-on-1 situations in the second half to keep the Tigers within a goal, but the Jennies finally cashed in an opportunity in the 86th minute when Andree Orcutt scored on a free kick bent perfectly right outside of the box.
Caldwell finished with three saves, keeping the Tigers within striking distance until the late goal. Sydney Cotter and Allison Worley each had multiple shot attempts, but the Tigers struggled to break through a strong Central Missouri backline. UCM outshot FHSU 12-8 overall.
UP NEXT
The Tigers look to bounce back in their next match on Sunday when they host Emporia State in MIAA play at 2 p.m.