HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State Men's Soccer team ended their first week of the season with a 3-2 loss against the UC-Colorado Springs Mountain Lions. The Tiger offense scored two goals, one by the freshman Collin Hershberger. The Tigers fell down 2-0, battled back to equalize the match just a little after halftime, but saw the Mountain Lions notch the game winner with about 11 minutes to go in the match.

The Mountain Lions opened the scoring relatively quickly with an Alex Andersson solo goal at the 10 minute mark. Moments later, Andersson scored another, this time he was assisted by Marvin Putu. The Tigers found a scoring opportunity in the 36th minute when Inigo Jimenez crossed the ball to Jose Avendano, who tapped the ball to Collin Hershberger for the finish. This was his first collegiate goal, and first for the Tigers in the game. 

At the end of the half, the Mountain Lions were in control with 10 total shots and an astonishing seven corners in the first half. 

Out of the half, Alex Plimmer found Blake Arndt across the pitch for a one-on-one opportunity, where Arndt was victorious and scored his second goal of the year. After a long, aggressive thirty minutes, the Mountain Lions capitalized on an opportunity given to them by the Tiger defense. Alex Andersson scored his third goal of the match for a hat trick and UCCS took the lead once again. The Tigers had some opportunities down the stretch, but could not convert. The game was fairly physical with four cards being drawn and 18 fouls throughout the match. 

This week, the Tigers head on the road for the first time this season to face Maryville and Rockhurst. The Maryville match will be played on neutral soil in Overland Park, KS on Thursday, Sept. 7. The Tigers will then take on Rockhurst in a true road match.