Fort Hays State Men's Soccer kicks off conference play this week when they face the Newman Jets at home Thursday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. The Tigers then head to Bethany, Oklahoma to face off against the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm on Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7:30 p.m.

Fort Hays State, with a current record of 1-4-0, encountered a tough challenge in their recent match against currently fifth-ranked Midwestern State. Eager to rebound in conference play, the Tigers have netted seven goals in five matches this season, maintaining an impressive .440 shots on goal percentage. Leading the charge in scoring are Blake Arndt and Alex Plimmer, with Arndt tallying three goals and Plimmer notching two. The Tigers also hold the top spot in the GAC with eight assists in five matches. 

Newman, standing at 1-2-2 this season, recently tied Southwest Baptist on September 12th. With six goals thus far, five courtesy of senior midfielder Carlos Bellosta Manchon, Newman poses a potent offensive threat. He currently leads the GAC in goals per match. Although the Tigers have historically dominated the series against the Jets with an 8-2-0 record, they suffered a 1-0 loss last year in Wichita but split the season series with a 3-1 win in Hays.

Southern Nazarene, sporting a 2-2-2 record, is coming off a challenging encounter against top-five ranked Midwestern State, which resulted in a 5-1 loss. Prior to their match against the Tigers, they'll face 13th-ranked Rogers State on Thursday. The Crimson Storm lead the GAC in goals this season with 12, averaging two goals per match on 16 shots per match. Bruno Ferreria is a key player to watch, tied for second in goals scored in the GAC with four this season. In head-to-head history, the Tigers have a commanding 12-4 advantage and the swept the regular season series last year even though Southern Nazarene won the GAC regular season title.

Live stats and live video will be available for both matches.