FORT HAYS, KS – The University of Mary men's soccer team tried to throw a scare into the postseason plans for Fort Hays State University but the Tigers struck early and held the visiting Marauders at bay in a 2-0 win over UMary. It is the final game of the season for the Marauders. 

Ranked second in the region after already clinching at least a share of the MIAA title, the Tigers scored just 39 seconds into the match. Brian Ness played a game of give and go with Michael Yahtzee before beating UMary goalkeeper Ludvig Rhodin to the right for a 1-0 Tigers lead.

Five minutes later the Marauders attempted to knot the score on a shot by Joel McIlroy but Alex Rodela made the save. It was the only shot Rodela faced in the first half.

While the Tigers continued to press and held an 8-1 edge in shots in the opening half, Fort Hays managed just one additional shot on frame that Rhodin handed to keep it a single goal match at intermission. 

Fort Hays State sealed the game in the 53rd minute when Derick Gonzalez scored his tenth goal of the season from 30 yards out to double the Tigers advantage to 2-0. 

Bottled up offensively, Michael Hertz and McIlroy found late chances as both threw shots on frame after the 70th minute. Both were denied. 

The Marauders faced one more flurry late. After a foul was called on the Marauders in the penalty are, the Tigers were awarded a penalty shot. Rhodin made the stop, along with two immediate saves following the initial shot. 

The Tigers held a 20-5 edge in shots and a 7-4 advantage in shots on frame. FHSU also had six corner kicks to two for UMary.

Facing the Tigers for a second time in three games, the 2-0 score remained the same for both contests. 

Rhodin finished the day with five saves. McIlroy had three of the five UMary shots with two of the four shots on frame. 

The Marauders finish the season 6-8-1 overall. The Tigers are 11-5-2. 

#marauders#