Hesston ends season with 5-2 loss to Cloud County
The Hesston College men’s soccer season came to a close Thursday night following a 5-2 defeat to Cloud County (Kan.) Community College. The Larks end their season with a 6-14 record, doubling their win total from a year ago.
After falling behind 3-0, freshman Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) put the Larks on the board with a goal in the 40th minute. Two more second half goals by Cloud County put the score at 5-1.
“The guys played real hard for all 90 minutes, said Coach Kurt Hostetler. “Again, we were able to work ourselves into good positions for score chances but had trouble finding the net.”
With two minutes remaining in the match, freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) scored on an assist from Drew Nussbaum (Apple Creek, Ohio) to set the final score.
“It's unfortunate that the season is ending,” added Hostetler. “I feel that the team has been playing much better and much harder the last several weeks.”
Hesston falls to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
The Hesston College men’s soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision to Northeastern Oklahoma (Miami, Okla.) A&M on Monday afternoon on the way back from a team fall break trip to Branson, Missouri.
The Lark offense started fast and created several scoring opportunities early in the game, according to Coach Kurt Hostetler, but was unable to get on the board. The host Norsemen delivered the games first goal in the 28th minute, and a second goal seven minutes later made the score 2-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
Northeastern Oklahoma’s Jake Mathews scored just three minutes into the second half to give the home team a 3-0 advantage, and with 18 minutes remaining, the Norseman scored again to set the final at 4-0.
Freshman Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.) and sophomore Rick Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.) recorded the only shots on goal for the Larks, while sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) saved seven shots for the Larks.
“After an initial burst we lost our energy and intensity and played the rest of the game on our heels,” commented Hostetler. “It’s frustrating to come in with momentum and not play well today.”
The loss drops Hesston to 6-13 on the year, as the Larks look to rebound in their season finale versus Cloud County (Kan.) Community College on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Schrag trifecta leads Hesston to overtime win
The Hesston College men's soccer team received an offensive boost with freshman Paul Schrag (Hesston, Kan.) moving to the forward position for the first time this season. Schrag responded by netting the first three goals of his college career in helping the Larks to an exciting 5-4 overtime win versus Cowley County (Kan.) Community College.
Following an early Cowley goal, freshman Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) knotted things up with a score courtesy of an assist from freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio). Cowley would add a late first half goal and take a 2-1 lead into the half.
The start of the second half witnessed a Hesston team that came out to determined to get a win, as Schrag notched his first goal of the day just three minutes into the half on a cross from Ost to tie the match at 2.
Nine minutes later, Ost scored again, this time on a free kick from just outside the penalty box. The Hesston lead would be short-lived, however, as the host Tigers scored in the 64th minute to draw even at 3-3.
With 17 minutes left, Schrag headed home another goal off a Robert Reyes assist (Wichita, Kan.) to give Hesston a 4-3 lead. As the time melted away, it appeared the Larks would escape Arkansas City with a 4-3 win, but the Tigers again fought back and tied the game at 4 all with just three minutes to play in regulation.
The Larks didn't waste any time showing their resiliency, as Schrag kicked home the game winner just two minutes into overtime to give Hesston the dramatic win. The game winner, assisted by sophomore Rick Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.) and freshman Dusty Linder (Louisville, Ohio), bumped Hesston's record to 6-12 on the year.
"Paul had an incredible day today," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "He really took advantage of the opportunity and proved that he can play at this level. This was a needed win if we wanted any shot at the playoffs; the whole team played well today to capture this win."
Hesston continues its fall break road trip with a match against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m.
Larks record big win against Western Nebraska
The Hesston College men's soccer team came out aggressively against Western Nebraska Community College, scoring two early goals that provided the difference in a 2-0 win Tuesday night in Hesston.
In the 10th minute, freshman Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) scored off an excellent through ball from sophomore Luke Schmidt (Newton, Kan.) to give Hesston the early lead.
Just six minutes later, freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) scored courtesy of an Ost assist, increasing the Hesston lead.
"This was a quality win for us tonight," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "WNCC is a strong team that has done very well against some good teams this year."
As the second half started, both defenses took control of the tempo, as neither team could muster much offense.
Sophomore keeper Marcus Maust was solid in the goal for the Larks, stopping 13 shots en route to recording his third shutout of the year.
"Marcus was huge for us again tonight," added Hostetler. "It's great to see the guys improving; we're finally starting to come together."
The Larks, now 5-12 on the year, return to action on Friday, October 17, when they travel to Arkansas City, Kansas, to take on district rival Cowley County Community College. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
Larks drop tough 2-1 decision to Allen County
The Hesston College men's soccer team fell behind 2-0 to visiting Allen County (Kan.) Community College and despite creating several scoring chances in the second half, were unable close the gap and lost a 2-1 decision.
"This was definitely a heartbreaker for us," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "We played well the entire game and played with a lot of intensity. We had several opportunities down the stretch but just couldn't make the ball go in."
Less than four minutes in to the second half, the Larks cut the Allen County lead in half when freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) knocked in a goal to make the score 2-1. At several times, it looked as if Hesston would score again, but it wasn't meant to be as the Larks fell to 4-11 on the season.
Sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) stopped four shot on goal for the Larks.
"I am pleased with the amount of pressure we put on them for most of the game," added Hostetler. "Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough."
The Larks return to action on Saturday, October 11, when they travel to Garden City (Kan.) Community College for a district match starting at 4 p.m.
Larks pressure goal early, often in 4-1 win
The Hesston College men's soccer team opened Tuesday's home match against Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kan) JV with a flurry of offensive pressure, jumping on the visiting Swedes en route to a 4-1 win.
Sophomore Drew Nussbaum (Apple Creek, Ohio) tallied two goals on the night, the first coming at the 35:22 mark after Hesston had missed on several near scoring chances to open the match. Nussbaum, who had a previous shot on goal saved by the Bethany keeper just a few minutes earlier, scored on an assist from Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) to give the Larks a 1-0 lead.
The Larks continued to be the aggressors, and with just under 27 minutes left in the first half, Hesston sophomore Rick Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.) controlled a loose ball in front of the goal and knocked it home to give Hesston a 2-0 lead.
Following a Bethany goal in the 25th minute, Hesston keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich) made two huge saves in the final 10 minutes of the half to preserve the Larks lead.
A second Nussbaum goal, this time assisted by Eigsti, gave Hesston a 3-1 advantage heading into the half.
"Tonight was a good win for us," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Drew came away with a big scoring night, and as a team we were able to find the back of the net multiple times."
After the intermission the Larks kept up the offensive pressure with sophomore forward Luke Schmidt (Newton, Kan.) scoring off an assist from freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) to set the final score. For the contest, Hesston outshot Bethany 5-1.
"This came at a good time," commented Hostetler. "We have some momentum heading into two district games in the next four days."
The win is Hesston's second in a row, and improves the Larks to 4-10 on the season.
Up next for the Larks is a home date against Allen County (Kan.) Community College on Thursday, October 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Second half goal by Ost carries Larks to 1-0 win
The Hesston College men's soccer team recorded an important road victory by shutting out district rival Independence (Kan.) Community College 1-0.
The two teams battled through a scoreless first half before a Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) goal in the 15th minute of the second half provided the difference. For the game, Ost recorded a game high three shots on goal.
"This was an important win for us," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "We needed this as we work towards making the playoffs."
Sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) saved the only shot on goal by Independence, notching his second shutout of the season, and fourth of his Hesston College career.
"I felt we controlled play most of the way," added Hostetler. "We missed several scoring chances and could have had a more decisive victory. It wasn't one of our better games, but today it was enough."
The Larks, now 3-10 on the season, host Bethany (Lindsborg, Kan.) College JV on Tuesday night, October 7, starting at 7:30.
Johnson County pulls away in second half for 6-0 victory over Hesston
Johnson County (Kan.) Community College scored four second half goals to pull away from the Larks in Hesston Wednesday night. The 6-0 loss to JCC puts Hesston at 2-10 on the season, while Johnson improves to 8-3-1.
Coming into the match, Hesston College Coach Kurt Hostetler knew his team had to play a solid game to keep up with Johnson County. The Larks came out strong, and after battling for 45 minutes trailed 2-0 at the half. Offensively, Hesston had a few chances, but couldn't crack the JCC defense.
"Johnson County is a strong team with lots of speed," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "I was pleased with our play in the first half. We kept our intensity up and created a few chances for ourselves, the second half just got away from us."
Freshman forward Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.) recorded the only shot on goal for Hesston, while keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) recorded three saves in goal.
The Larks are off until Saturday, October 4, when they travel to Independence, Kansas, for a match with district rival Independence Community College. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.
Larks unable to contain #4 Barton County (Kan.) CC
Barton County (Kan.) CC scored six first half goals on its way to an 8-0 win in Hesston Tuesday night. The visiting Cougars from Great Bend, Kansas got on the board with just over eight minutes gone in the first half and continued to attack to the goal throughout the game.
Hesston Coach Kurt Hostetler was pleased with his team's effort against the number 4 ranked team in the country.
"Tonight was tough for us," said Hostetler. "We came out from the start and played with intensity and were focused."
The loss drops the Larks to 1-6 on the season.
"We need to take what we can from this and continue to improve," added Hostetler. "If we come out every game like we did tonight we are certain to get some wins."
Hesston takes the field Thursday night when the travel to Coffeyville (Kan.) CC for a district match against the Red Ravens. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
Larks fall at Kansas City (Kan.) CC, 3-1
The Hesston College men's soccer team fell behind early against Kansas City (Kan.) CC and despite a strong second half couldn't come back in a 3-1 loss.
Freshman forward Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.) scored the Larks lone goal, coming off a deflected shot by freshman Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio). Dribbling along the goal line, Hunsberger got off a pass to Steiner to set up a shot on goal, but a tremendous save by the KCKCC goalie denied the score. Hunsberger's put back got the Larks on the board with just over 13 minutes to play, but three goals by the home team in the game's first 51 minutes proved too much to overcome.
"We picked up our game in the second half," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Playing for the first time on an artificial field put us in a tough situation to start the game."
Sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) collected nine saves in goal for the Larks, who fall to 1-5 on the season.
Hesston returns home for their next match against Barton County (Kan.) CC on Tuesday, September 16. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
 Rick Eigsti in action against Blue River--more photos |
Hesston leads early, but can't hang on in 4-2 loss
Visiting Metropolitan CC (Independence, Mo.) scored three second half goals to erase a 2-1 deficit and give the visitors a 4-2 win at Hesston Wednesday night.
An Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) goal in the 27th minute brought the Larks back from an early 1-0 hole. Steiner dribbled through several defenders and blasted a shot by the goalie at point blank range to tie the game.
In the 23rd minute Hesston dodged a bullet as two MCC shots barely missed. The first ricocheted off the right goalpost and seconds later another shot hit the crossbar. A great diving save by sophomore Marcus Maust (Bayport, Mich.) in the 13th minute kept the score tied at one.
With just 4:25 left before the half, freshman forward Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.) converted to give Hesston a 2-1 lead.
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Ten minutes into the second half, an MCC chip shot over the head of Maust looked to be headed out of bounds, but a fortuitous bounce led to a goal, and the teams were once again tied.
At the 11:49 mark, MCC scored off a rebound from a saved ball, giving the visitors from Kansas City a 3-2 lead. Minutes later, MCC added a fourth goal to set the final at 4-2.
The Hesston College men's soccer team returns to action with an away game on Saturday when they take on Kansas City (Kan.) CC at 1 p.m.
Larks unable to contain speed, depth of MCC Maple Woods
For the first 3 quarters of the game, the Hesston College men were able to play with Metropolitan (Mo.) CC Maple Woods, but eventually the Monarchs from the Kansas City area pulled away with three late goals to earn a 4-0 win in Hesston Saturday night.
"I thought we played well," said Coach Kurt Hostetler. "Maple Woods is a strong, technically sound team with good speed. We were able to play with them for most of the game, missing some early scoring opportunities that could have changed the complexion of the game."
Under consistent pressure all night, sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) turned in a notable performance, notching 8 saves.
Coach Hostetler noted that he is seeing consistent improvement in each game, "We're playing more as a team, we just have a few more bugs to work out and we should be fine."
The Larks, now 1-3 on the season, host Metropolitan (Mo.) CC Blue River on Wednesday, September 10, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Larks start fast, finish strong in shutout victory
The Hesston College men’s soccer team put together 90 quality minutes of soccer Tuesday night en route to a 4-0 win at home against Central College (McPherson, Kan.) JV.
From the opening minute, the Larks played with a sense of urgency, using crisp passes and aggressive play to control ball possession throughout the contest.
Midfielder Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio) got things started at the 37:03 mark of the first half with an unassisted shot that snuck under the crossbar from 20 yards out.
In the 25th minute, sophomore midfielder Rick Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.) fought off a defender for control and knocked in an unassisted goal to give Hesston a 2-0 lead.
“I was pleased to see the intensity we showed from the start,” Coach Kurt Hostetler commented. “Overall, our team play was much better.”
Determined to make the halftime score hold, the Larks kept the offensive pressure on throughout the last 45 minutes. In the 53rd minute, freshman forward Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.) scored to make it 3-0 on a nice through ball from sophomore Kendall Landis (Greenwood, Del.)
Another Alex Steiner goal courtesy of an assist from sophomore Luke Schmidt (Newton, Kan.) set the final at 4-0 with 20 minutes to play. Only two minutes later Steiner looked to have a chance for a hat trick, but couldn’t convert on a breakaway.
Sophomore keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) recorded the shutout in goal, the third of his Hesston College career.
“I felt good about tonight’s game, we gave ourselves time to play the ball,” said Hostetler. “We’re learning to play as a defensive unit; our communication was good.”
The Larks return to action Saturday night, September 6, as they host Metropolitan (Kansas City, Mo.) CC Maple Woods at 7:30 p.m.
Fast start for Western Texas too much for Larks to overcome
Hesston College Coach Kurt Hostetler was pleased with his team’s effort and execution the last 70 minutes of their match against Western Texas College. A fast start by the visiting Westerners from Snyder, Texas, however, proved too much to overcome for the Larks, who fell by a score of 5-2.
Western Texas dominated the early part of the game, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first 20 minutes. Hesston regrouped and responded with solid play the rest of the way, outscoring WTC 2-0 to set the final score.
“I was disappointed with our start,” said Hostetler. “Obviously we played much better after some adjustments were made. I was happy to see our team respond the way they did, we created some scoring opportunities in the second half which was good to see.”
Sophomore Luke Schmidt (Newton, Kan.) scored both of Hesston’s goals, the first coming shortly before half time on an assist from freshman Robert Reyes (Wichita, Kan.). Schmidt’s second tally of the evening was assisted by freshman Tyler Hunsberger (Telford, Pa.).
In his first action of the season, sophomore goaltender Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.) recorded 5 saves after entering the game 15 minutes into the game.
The Larks look to earn their first win of the season this Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Maple Woods from Kansas City, Mo. at 7:30 p.m.
Larks drop home opener to Wichita State Club Team
Wichita State scored five goals in the first half en route to a 8-1 win over the Hesston College men's soccer team during the Larks home opener.
The Shockers first goal came nine minutes into the game, and less than a minute later the Larks found themselves down 2-0. For the day, WSU outshot Hesston 14-12. A Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil) unassisted goal late in the second half put the Larks on the board.
Freshman Toyin Olorunfemi (Wichita, Kan.), starting in goal in place of injured Marcus Maust (Bayport, Mich.), had six saves in the loss.
"Our defense is young, and needs some work," Coach Kurt Hostetler said. "I'm confident that with some time to adjust, we will play better and be more competitive. This team has talent; we need to continue to work together and stay organized."
The Larks return to the field on Saturday, August 30, as they host Western Texas at 7:30 p.m.
Increased depth and team speed should help Larks on the field in ’08
Entering his second season at the helm of Hesston College men’s soccer, Coach Kurt Hostetler is optimistic that more faces will equal more wins. Coming off a 3-12 campaign in which the team’s top four defenders were lost to graduation, the Larks will depend on several key returning players, as well as many newcomers, to make a move in the powerful Region VI.
A few players who graduated and will not be returning to the squad this year include sweeper Caleb Detweiler, defenders Daniel Martin, Adam Troyer, and Jeremy Hassman, midfielder Darin Schwartzentruber, and forwards Matt Boyts and Abenezer Daniel.
“We lost a lot of talent and leadership from last year’s group, but we have a nice group of returning players,” commented Hostetler. “They will be led by our keeper Marcus Maust (Bay Port, Mich.), outside midfielder Rick Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.), center midfielder Kendall Landis (Greenwood, Del.), and forward Luke Schmidt (Newton, Kan.).”
“Returning a strong goaltender is huge for us, as well as returning our leading scorer in Luke Schmidt,” he said. “I also expect we’ll be solid at the midfield position.” Joining the Larks’ returning sophomores will be forward/midfielder Drew Nussbaum (Apple Creek, Ohio), who did not play as a freshman, but is expected to make an immediate impact this fall.
Key freshmen on the Larks roster include defenders David Eigsti (Goshen, Ind.), and Brady Toole (Smithville, Mo.), and midfielders Geverton Ost (Porto Alegre, Brazil), Robert Reyes (Wichita, Kan.), and Alex Steiner (Kidron, Ohio). Another freshman who will see time as both a defender and midfielder is Dusty Linder (Louisville, Ohio). Hostetler notes that speed is one aspect of the freshmen class that he is excited about. “We’ll be able to get up and down the field a little better than last year, so that’s a plus.”
“Last year was a learning experience for us all,” said Hostetler. “We had good team chemistry, even though our team record didn’t show it. I’m excited to get the year started and see some improvement on the field.”
Looking ahead to a tough 20-game schedule, Hostetler highlighted conference road trips to Neosho CC and Coffeyville CC, as well as home dates with Allen County CC and Barton County CC. A Homecoming game against McPherson College JV on September 26, and the team’s fall break trip to Branson, Mo., will also be key dates. While traveling to Branson, Hesston will play at Cowley County CC and Northeast Oklahoma A&M.
“The team will be working toward a winning season, along with a top-eight finish in the region,” explained Hostetler. “We are all eager to get on the field and get to work.