KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In the first regular season match of the 2025 season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst University on Thursday (Sept. 4^th) in Kansas City. The No. 23 ranked Tigers picked up their second-straight win over the Hawks after winning 2-1 last year in the season opener in Hays.

Fort Hays State took control early in the match with constant offensive pressure, but could not find the net in the opening half. Both teams had really good offensive looks inside the box as both keepers made saves from point blank distance on dangerous opportunities.
 
The Tigers broke through early in the second half with a goal in the 49^th minute by Juan Linares. In the box, he collected a shot that was blocked and fired it past the keeper for the only goal of the match. The Tigers had to play about the last four minutes down a man, but held off the late equalizer hopes of the Hawks.
 
Bastian Carlman led the Tigers with seven shots, including three on target. The Tigers outshot the Hawks 17-8 in the match. In his collegiate debut, Payton Roehrich recorded a shutout in goal making five saves. Rockhurst keeper Stefano Camerlengo had six saves in the loss.
 
The Tigers (1-0) set their sights on MSU Denver on Sunday in Denver. Start time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 p.m. MT.