SEARCY, Ark. — Rogers State men's soccer (5-0-2, 1-0-0 GAC/MIAA) overpowered Harding (2-4-1, 0-1-0 GAC/MIAA) with a decisive 5-0 victory at the Stevens Soccer Complex in the Thursday night conference opener.
The Hillcats scored once in the first half and added four goals in the second half to secure the win. RSU's defense held strong, with goalkeeper
Jaxon Kendall (5-0-2) making a career-high seven saves to collect his fifth shutout.
RSU took an early lead against Harding with
Brandon O'Rourke scoring just 17 seconds into the match. RSU maintained offensive pressure with multiple attempts, including a saved shot by
Alex Fletcher and off-target efforts from
Miguel Madrigal and
Louis Bassett. Harding's defense was tested as goalkeeper Rinner Stewart made several key saves. Kendall was also active, notably saving a penalty kick from Nojus Grudis in the 44th minute, preserving the 1-0 advantage for RSU at the end of the first half.
The Hillcats dominated the second half, extending their lead over Harding with a series of goals. In the 62nd minute, O'Rourke opened the scoring for the Hillcats, assisted by
Harkaran Sahota (first career) and Bassett.
Grayson Horsley followed up with another goal in the 72nd minute, with an assist from
Noah Preston-Watkins. Just eight minutes later,
Alex Frost increased the lead to 4-0 with his first career goal, as Preston-Watkins provided his second assist of the half. Preston-Watkins then capped off the scoring spree with a penalty kick goal in the 83rd minute, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory for RSU. Five goals are a season-high for RSU.
O'Rourke scored two goals and registered five shots, including the game-winner. Preston-Watkins contributed with a goal and two assists, converting his only shot on goal. Bassett added to the offense with one assist and three shots.
Roger State will continue their Arkansas road trip to face the Ouachita Baptist Tigers (1-3-2, 0-1 GAC/MIAA). The matchup will take place in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, with kickoff at Kluck Field scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
