HAYS, Kan. – The Northeastern State men's soccer earned a 1-0 upset victory over No. 22 Fort Hays State Sunday afternoon at FHSU Soccer Stadium.
 
NSU (6-4, 2-1 MIAA) picked up its second win of the season over a ranked foe and earned the first clean sheet in nine matches. The Tigers (7-3, 1-1 MIAA) have now been shutout in two of their last three home contests.
 
The RiverHawks improved to 4-3-5 all-time series against their rivals. They are also now 2-0-2 overall in the last four meetings and 1-0-2 over the last three years in Hays.
 
The lone goal of the match came from senior defender Paul Samia in the 51st minute. He took a free kick from 35 yards out that snuck in the low right corner past the FHSU goalkeeper.
 
The marker was Samia's first of the season and the 10th of his career.
 
Senior goalkeeper Eric Shephard (6-4) collected his sixth career shutout after stopping all three shots on goal. Michael Yantz (7-3) suffered the loss after making three saves and conceding the match winner.
 
The two teams tied in shots 15-15, and the FHSU led in corner kicks 9-1.

The loss for the Tigers was their first at home against a conference opponent since Sept. 27, 2012. They had gone 11-0-2 at home against MIAA foes in their last 13 matches. The two ties in that span have been against NSU.
 
NSU will now return home for a non-conference tilt with Ouachita Baptist that is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at DeLoache Field.
 
Scoring Summary
NSU                 0          1          –          1
FHSU               0          0          –          0
 
Individual Scoring
Paul Samia (NSU) at 50:40 (unassisted)
 
Goalkeeper Saves
Eric Shephard (NSU) – 3
Michael Yantz (FHSU) – 3

NORTHEASTERN STATE COACH ROB CZLONKA
Statement...
"We played really well today from start to finish. It was a complete team effort. I'm proud of the result. It was an important win for us being an MIAA road win against a team that hasn't lost at home since 2012. Fort Hays State is a good side. They are well-coached. It was important to see our guys working together for the whole 90 minutes to make the one goal be the different and to earn the shutout."

On key contributors...
"Paul Samia blocked a shot off the goal line in the first half and then scored the only goal of the match in the second. Matt Liotta came in to play defensive center mid in the first half and locked down the midfield. He played really well."

NORTHEASTERN STATE SENIOR CAPTAIN ERIC CRAWFORD
Statement...
"Our team came together today and everyone put a great shift in to get the win. It always feels great to get a clean sheet especially against a rival of ours. I think this one meant a lot to the seniors because not only is this the last time we will travel to Hays, but it was also the first time we have beaten them at their place."

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