Newman (6-5, 3-2 GAC) at
Fort Hays State (6-3-1, 3-2 GAC)
Thursday, October 17 - 7 PM
Hays, Kan. - FHSU Soccer Stadium
#18 Southern Nazarene (7-3-2, 4-1-1 GAC) at
Fort Hays State
Satruday, October 19 - 2 PM
Hays, Kan. - FHSU Soccer Stadium
The Fort Hays State Men's Soccer team is gearing up for two key home conference matches as they face off against Newman on Thursday (Oct. 17) at 7 p.m. and nationally ranked Southern Nazarene Saturday (Oct. 19) at 2 p.m.
The Tigers go into Thursday's match 6-3-1 overall and with a GAC record of 3-2. The Tiger offense has been on fire of late, scoring 14 goals the past three matches. Currently, the Tigers are tied with Newman for the third spot in the conference standings, trailing only Southern Nazarene and Rogers State.
The Tigers are averaging an impressive 19.3 shots per game, which leads the nation. Their defense has been equally formidable, limiting opponents to just 7.9 shots per match and allowing the fewest goals in the GAC. With 16 different Tigers finding the back of the net this season, the team has showcased its impressive depth and versatility.
Tadhg Walsh has been a standout contributor, tied for the national lead in assists with nine and leads the team with 11 points.
Marcos German has been particularly impactful lately, registering four assists in the last two matches, placing him fourth in the conference in total assists.
Bryce Dickerson and
Bastian Carlman have each made their mark on the scoreboard, leading the team with three goals apiece.
Newman, with a record of 6-5 (3-2 GAC), recently faced Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia and fell by a score of 1-0. The Jets have a potent offensive threat in Alberto Romano, who has the second most goals in the conference with eight. The team averages the second most points per match after the Tigers, averaging 7.27. Newman boasts an impressive offensive depth, with five players ranked among the top 10 shot leaders in the conference. In their head-to-head history, the Tigers lead with a commanding 10-2 record, securing a pair of wins last year in conference play.
Southern Nazarene, currently second in the GAC at 7-3-2 (4-1-1 GAC), presents a formidable opponent for the Tigers. The Crimson Storm is currently ranked No. 18 in the latest national poll. Unaiz Shajani leads the charge for the Crimson Storm with 12 goals this season, currently holding the lead in the GAC. SNU boasts a total of 10 goal scorers this season, highlighting their offensive depth beyond Shajani's impressive contributions. Edwin Garcia is tied for second in the conference with five assists this season. SNU has scored 25 goals this season, while conceding 14. The Tigers fell to the Crimson Storm in Bethany, Okla. earlier this season after the team had to play down a man for part of the match. Overall, the Tigers hold a 13-6 record against the Crimson Storm, including a 7-1 mark at home.
