NSU Sports
Don Vieth, Director of Athletics Communications
TAHLEQUAH – Joe Garcia tied the Northeastern State record for consecutive games at five with a goal as the RiverHawks blasted past Fort Hays State 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Garcia’s goal came off of a save from his own penalty kick in the 82nd minute to tie a record which has been reached four times previously, and was last accomplished in 2004 by Sergio Salinas.
The late goal by Garcia iced the contest for the RiverHawks who took an early advantage in the fourth minute off of the foot of Justin Todd who kicked in his own deflected shot. Fort Hays State tied the game in the 23rd minute to snap the MIAA and NSU’s longest shutout streak of 382:48 minutes.
Todd pulled NSU ahead for good only six minutes later on a pass from Aaron Ugbah from ten yards out on the left side of the keeper for his second goal of the afternoon.
NSU made their shots count on Sunday with all three of their attacks on the Tigers’ keeper finding their way to the back of the net. Ryan Davis who now owns the MIAA and NSU record for longest shutout streak allowed just his 11th goal of the season to drop his season goals per game average to 0.92 which leads the league.
Sunday’s loss to the RiverHawks halted a seven match winning streak by Fort Hays State who is now 7-5-2 overall and 5-1 in the MIAA. The RiverHawks have won five in a row and eight of their last nine to move to 8-4 overall and 4-1 in league play.
Northeastern State will remain at home to host Ouachita Baptist on Thursday at 6 p.m. in non-conference play.