HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is set to launch its 2024 season with a home match against Rockhurst University on Thursday (Sept. 5) at 3 p.m. The Tigers will then travel to Kansas City, Mo., this weekend to face Upper Iowa on Sunday (Sept. 8) at 5 p.m. on neutral ground at Children's Mercy Victory Field at Swope Soccer Village.
 
The Tigers bring back a strong core of eight returning players, including key starters Tadgh Walsh, Jackson Elgas, Chris Rios-Cruz, Elias Ovelar-Semeniuk and Ben Dixon. Also returning are Collin Hershberger, Harrison Bensouda, and Anders Sandsto. In addition to the returning talent, the Tigers welcome a large and diverse group of 27 newcomers. The new group features 15 transfers, including 11 graduate students, and 12 freshmen.
 
Tadgh Walsh started all 18 games last season and contributed 11 total points, which included four goals. Walsh ranked third on the team in shots on goal (13) and assists (3) and will look to command the middle of the field. Elias Ovelar-Semeniuk also made a significant impact, finishing 2023 with the second-most goals on the team and tied for the most conference goals (7). Ovelar-Semeniuk also recorded 45 total shots, 20 shots on goal, and 16 points. Chris Rios-Cruz and Jackson Elgas were anchors on the defensive side, starting in every match they played.
 
The Tigers finished 8-8-2 last season. In conference play the Tigers were 7-3-2, earning the third seed in the Great American Conference Tournament.
 
First-year head coach Alex Nichols boasts an impressive coaching resume, with an overall record of 162-38-15 (.788) at the collegiate level. His accolades include two national championships, two National Coach of the Year honors, and four national semifinal appearances at the NAIA level.
 
Rockhurst finished the 2023 season 7-8-2 overall, and 5-6-2 in the GLVC. The Hawks ended last year with 10.6 shots per match and averaged one goal per match. The team finished sixth in the GLVC in shots on goal (78) and shots on goal per match (4.59). The all-time series between FHSU and RU is tied 3-3-3 as FHSU fell short in the matchup between the schools last year in Kansas City.
 
Upper Iowa wrapped up their 2023 season at 7-7-3 overall and 4-7-2 in the GLVC. The Peacocks averaged 1.88 goals per match and posted a fifth-best GLVC finish in shots (215) and goals (32). The team averaged 12.64 shots per game in the previous season, ranking third best in the GLVC. The Peacocks were able to save 80 shots last season, ranking fourth in the conference. The series history between the teams leans toward the Tigers, holding an 11-2-1 record against the Peacocks. The last matchup came in 2018 in Fayette, Iowa, with a 3-1 Tiger win.
 
Live stats and live video will be available for the season opener in Hays. Only live stats will be available for the match in Kansas City.