CLAREMORE, Okla. – Caleb Pitts headed home a corner kick in the 71st minute sending the Rogers State men's soccer team to a 1-0 Heartland Conference victory Monday afternoon at Soldier Field.
 
Danko Kenjic curled a ball into the penalty area connecting with Pitts' perfectly-timed run and the junior knocked his header just over the outstretched hands of TAMIU goalkeeper Chris Biddulph and into the back of the net. It was the third goal of the season for the defender from Tulsa, Okla., as he moved into a tie with Jordan Permaul for the team scoring lead.
 
The Hillcats picked up a much-needed win ending a four-game losing streak and evened their record in conference play at 1-1.
 
RSU pushed the attack in the early stages of the contest nearly converting in the 8th minute when Whellyn Carroll made a great run to the far post and head a corner kick from Kenjic off the framework.
 
Dylan Beaird nearly broke the deadlock for the Hillcats in the final 75 seconds of the opening half but his shot sailed inches over the crossbar after Mitchell Sowerby played him down the touch line with a perfect pass.
 
After a scoreless first half, the intensity on the field increased with both sides looking to get on the scoreboard as five yellow cards were issued in the second stanza.
 
Pitts finally made the Dustdevils pay for an errant clearing attempt giving the Hillcats the set piece opportunity where they capitalized for the decisive tally.
 
Goalkeeper Cody Gammill stood stout in goal for RSU preserving the clean sheet. Gammill finished with five saves for his second shutout of the year. Biddulph took the loss for TAMIU making three saves.
 
RSU (4-5, 1-1 HC) continues its three-game home stand playing host to Hillsdale Free Will Baptist under the lights Wednesday, Oct. 8 for a 7 p.m. start. The match will be streamed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com.