(HAYS, Kan., Aug 31) – The McKendree University men's soccer team dropped to 0-1-0 overall after a second half surge from Fort Hays State University lifted the hosts past the Bearcats 2-1 Friday evening in Hays, Kan..
 
The Bearcats fought valiantly for a full 90 minutes which included much back and forth play, with McKendree taking advantage of a corner kick opportunity that sent an Eddie Davis (Arundel, England/Amersham College) cross into the back of the net, courtesy of Gonzalo Correa (Santiago, Chile/Athletic Study Center). McKendree was able to hold on to its 1-0 lead for the remainder of the first half.
 
The momentum of the game shifted after redshirt junior Matthew Moran (Perryville, MO/Perryville High School) was awarded a red card resulting in a penalty kick in favor of the Tigers. However, redshirt sophomore goal keeper Alvaro Cortazar (Asuncion, Paraguay/Santa Teresa de Jesus) was ready for the shot, making a diving save to keep the advantage towards McKendree. Just one minute later of high intensity offense, Caesar Jones notched a goal for Fort Hays to even the score line 1-1. After another 20 minutes full of scoring opportunities for both teams, Fort Hays' Santiago Agudelo put the game-winning goal in the net courtesy of a corner kick chance. The Tigers were able to hold on to the lead for the remaining seven minutes of regulation time.
 
McKendree will be back in action this Sunday at 2 p.m. as they travel to Bolivar, MO to take on the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University.