HAYS, Kan. – The Griffon soccer team battled back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Fort Hays State on Friday afternoon at FHSU Soccer Stadium.
MoWest (6-2-5, 3-2-2 MIAA) overcame an early goal from the Tigers (2-7-3, 0-5-2 MIAA), with Kendall Knisley converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute to level the match. The Griffons outshot Fort Hays State 12-8, including a 7-5 advantage in the second half.
The Tigers struck just 1:08 into the match to take a 1-0 lead. MoWest responded with offensive pressure, as Knisley recorded multiple scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Despite outshooting Fort Hays State 5-3 in the first half, the Griffons entered halftime trailing 1-0.
MoWest continued applying pressure after the break, with Kiara Carr putting a shot on goal in the 53rd minute before Alexandra Milano forced another save in the 63rd minute.
The Griffons broke through at the 71:17 mark when Knisley converted a penalty kick to even the score at 1-1. The goal marked her seventh of the season.
MoWest continued searching for the go-ahead goal, with Milano forcing another save in the 86th minute. Despite playing the closing minutes down a player following a red card in the 83rd minute, the Griffons held on for the road draw.
Knisley led the Griffon offense with seven shots, including two on goal, while Milano added three shots with two on target. Goalkeeper Morgan Byrd played all 90 minutes, recording two saves. MoWest finished with five shots on goal.
Up Next
Griffon Soccer continues its three-match road swing next weekend with two MIAA matchups. MoWest travels to Nebraska-Kearney on Friday, Oct. 16, for a 2 PM kickoff before heading to Pittsburg State on Sunday, Oct. 18, for a 1 PM matchup.
