FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State defeated Northeastern State 2-1 on Saturday (Sept. 19) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. FHSU took a 2-0 lead with a pair of second half goals, but NSU countered with just one. The Tigers held off a barrage of offensive opportunities late for the RiverHawks to improve to 4-1-2 overall and 2-0 in the GAC. Northeastern State moved to 1-6 overall and 0-2 in the GAC.
Fort Hays State and Northeastern State played a scoreless first half as NSU held a slight 4-3 advantage in shots. Each goalkeeper had to make one save to keep the contest scoreless.
Fort Hays St. scored twice on just three second-half shots. Len Valkema scored a breakaway goal, jetting past a couple of defenders to get a 1-on-1 opportunity in the box which he rifled up over the keeper at the 50:54 mark. At 55:39, the Tigers had some good fortune when a failed clearance hit Juan Linares' head and the ball went into the net. Northeastern State countered at 65:05 with a Chanyee Lo goal assisted by Carter Adams.
Payton Roehrich had to make three saves to earn another win in net. Valkema produced half of FHSU's shots with three and all were on goal.
The game ramped up in intensity and physicality in the second half after a cardless first 45 minutes. The teams combined for 26 fouls in the second half and five yellow cards were issued after the break.
The Tigers will play their next three games on the road, including a pair in Arkansas next week at Harding and Ouachita Baptist.
Fort Hays State Top Performers
Juan Linares - 1 goal
Len Valkema - 1 goal, 3 shots on goal
Payton Roehrich - 3 saves