No. 9 Fort Hays State vs. No. 21 Lindenwood Thursday, September 27, 2012 Hays, Kan. - FHSU Soccer Stadium - 7 p.m. Live Stats

For the second straight Thursday night, the No. 9 Tigers play a top 25 opponent. This Thursday (Sept. 27), FHSU takes on No. 21 Lindenwood in a MIAA match at 7 p.m. in Hays at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.
 
The Tigers, currently 7-1 and 3-0 in the MIAA, moved up to their highest ranking in school history to No. 9 after going 2-0 last week. In their first win over a top 25 opponent, the Tigers clipped the No. 20-ranked Riverhawks of Northeastern State, winning 3-2 in two overtimes. Tomas Mares, who was named MIAA Men's Soccer Athlete of the Week, scored the game-winning goal early in the second overtime period. After defeating NSU, FHSU won 2-1 over Harding, an associate member of the MIAA for men's soccer, on Saturday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.
 
With his great weekend, Mares is now tied for the team lead in goals (five) and points (10). Daniel Peralta ties the total with five goals, including three game-winners, and 10 points. Also with 10 points is Michael Cole, who has four goals and two assists. Diego Cabral, an All-American in 2011, adds four goals for the Tiger attack. Tanner Brock and Austin Clifton tie for the team-high in assist. Both of whom have four assists in the eight games.  
 
The No. 21 Lions, 5-1-2 and 2-0-1 in the MIAA, travel to Hays for the first-ever meeting between these two teams. Lindenwood, which joined the MIAA this season, went 1-0-1 last week in two MIAA matches with a 1-0 win over Upper Iowa and a 2-2 tie to Truman. The Lion offense is led by Azeem Razwan with three goals. Andre Hayne and Alfredo Paez add two goals, respectively. Lindenwood's defense has been strong with four shutouts. Fermin Hughes is the Lions' goalkeeper. He has allowed 0.82 goals and made 22 saves in seven starts.
 
The match is the third of six straight home contests for the Tigers. On Saturday (Sept. 29), the Tigers welcome Southwest Baptist to the FHSU Soccer Stadium for a 12 p.m. match.