HAYS, Kan. – MSU Denver turned in a strong effort against one of NCAA Division II's top programs, but despite a couple of late opportunities, the Roadrunners came up short in a 1-0 defeat Sunday at Fort Hays State (Kan.).
"The first half was more of a battle of two teams feeling each other out, and unfortunately we gave up a goal," MSU Denver coach
Nick Kirchhof said. "It was a tight game and Fort Hays passed the ball really well and made us work hard.
"The second half we were so much better, and we created a couple of good chances. Unfortunately they buried one and we weren't able to capitalize."
True freshman
Nicco Schiappa had the last look, with 38 seconds left.
He got
David Pena's cross from the left side, took a touch, then lofted a shot that appeared to have been deflected off the crossbar by the goalie, though it technically wasn't on goal since Fort Hays State was awarded a goal kick.
Tyler Welch had a close shot in the 83rd minute. He picked the ball up on a pass from
Adan Perez at about 20 yards out, and took a low shot with his right foot that went just left of the goal.
Pena and
Aaron Biggerstaff also had shots on goal for the Roadrunners, who dropped to 0-2 for the opening weekend against two quality opponents.
Biggerstaff's came on a breakaway in the 79
th minute.
"Their keeper made a really good save," Kirchhof said.
The Roadrunners played without defender
Parker Landry, who was issued two yellow cards Friday.
But Pena stepped into the lineup and played well in his second collegiate game.
"He did a really good job in his first time as a college starter," Kirchhof said. "He fought hard and competed to the best of his ability for 90 minutes. Obviously we missed Parker's passion and emotional presence, but what we've been saying is that we want everyone to always be in the mindset of the next man up needs to be ready to play and compete. David has been training hard and was ready for the opportunity."
Fort Hays State, which has played in a national-leading eight straight NCAA Division II Tournaments, got the game's only goal from Theo Bennetts at 24:20.
MSU Denver returns to action Friday with a 7 p.m. MDT game at Lubbock Christian (Texas), then stays in Lubbock for a neutral-site game against Texas-Permian Basin on Sunday at noon MDT.
"There are so many positives that have come from this weekend," Kirchhof said. "We've really only been together as a group for three weeks, and guys are still learning the system and learning about each other, and they're going to keep getting better.
"We had a big, emotional and physically draining game Friday and this is our first experience of coming back to play on a Sunday. We are learning how to work smart as well as work hard. Today Fort Hays managed the game a little better than we did, but our belief and our quality is there and it's getting a little better each day."
