DENVER – The MSU Denver women's soccer team broke through for its first victory of the 2026 season Friday afternoon, scoring twice in the second half to defeat Fort Hays State 2-0 at the Assembly Athletic Complex. The Roadrunners improved to 1-1-3 overall with the victory, while Fort Hays State fell to 2-2.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, MSU Denver found its breakthrough just 6:55 into the second half.
Maya Woods collected a pass from Jaslyn Sanders and finished in the 51st minute to put the Roadrunners in front 1-0. The goal marked Woods' first of the season and proved to be the game-winner.
MSU Denver continued to apply pressure after taking the lead, generating eight shots in the second half after recording just two in the opening period. The Roadrunners also earned seven corner kicks after halftime, finishing with a 10-5 advantage in corners for the match.
The Roadrunners nearly doubled their lead in the 65th minute when Addison Osilka's shot hit the woodwork, and Jaslyn Sanders struck the top of the woodwork less than 10 minutes later.
MSU Denver eventually found the insurance goal in spectacular fashion.
In the 79th minute, Grace Johnson stepped up for a free kick from roughly 40 yards away and delivered a perfectly placed strike that found the back of the net. The goal was Johnson's third of the season, extending her team lead in goals and giving the Roadrunners a 2-0 advantage with just over 11 minutes remaining.
The Roadrunners defense did the rest, keeping Fort Hays State off the scoreboard and limiting the Tigers to just four shots, all of which came in the first half.
Morgan Shirley played all 90 minutes in goal for the Roadrunners and recorded two saves to earn her second shutout of the season.
MSU Denver finished with a 10-4 advantage in shots, including an 8-0 edge in the second half. The Roadrunners also held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal and committed just four fouls compared with Fort Hays State's four.
Friday's victory marked the Roadrunners' first win under second-year head coach Katie Hooker this season and gave MSU Denver its first victory following three draws in its opening four matches.
The Roadrunners will look to make it back-to-back wins Sunday when they return to the Assembly Athletic Complex to host Westmont at noon.
