By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

The Fort Hays State University men's soccer team didn't offer much of a challenge to Eastern New Mexico University.

The Tigers, ranked No. 18 in NCAA Division II, were blanked 2-0 on Friday at FHSU Soccer Stadium. It's the third time this season FHSU failed to get on the scoreboard.

FHSU (8-3) didn't threaten often, posting seven shots, and when the Tigers did, they struggled to get their shots on goal. In fact, FHSU hit the crossbar as many times as they actually hit ENMU's goalkeeper (twice).

Eastern New Mexico improved to 8-4.

"We just didn't play well," FHSU coach Brett Parker said. "Eastern New Mexico is good. It's a combination of the two. It's tough to create opportunities against good organized teams when we don't play well. We got out played."

Eastern New Mexico isn't in the MIAA or FHSU's region, but the loss could drop the Tigers out of the top 25 -- a place they've been since Sept. 4 -- especially if the Tigers lose to No. 11 West Texas A&M today at FHSU Soccer Stadium. Match time is noon.

"That's about it," Parker said. "It's not a conference game, but overall record and rankings, it definitely has an effect."

FHSU, already hobbled by injuries, might have lost another player Friday. Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Pakieser injured his hand in the first half and missed the rest of the game.

The severity of injury was unclear, but it was noteworthy, considering the list of Tigers on the mend is growing.

Sophomore defender Carlos Linares broke his foot last week against Lindenwood University and will miss the remainder of the season. Senior forward Ricardo Yeverino had off-season knee surgery and redshirted this season, and sophomore midfielder Jaccob Rangel will miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.

"We are only down about four starters," Parker said. "We are all right. We'll keep fighting."

On Friday, Eastern New Mexico scored its goals early and late in the match.

Sophomore Abayneh Crosby scored the opening goal in the third minute on an assist from junior midfielder Jehmaine Brooks. Crosby collected the rebounded shot and knocked it in from the right right side of the goal.

Freshman Carlos Viveros added the second goal in the 85th minute on a penalty kick after junior Eishu Kanemitsu was tackled from behind by a FHSU defender inside the penalty box.

"These teams from the Lone Star Conference are good," Parker said. "That's probably the biggest thing. They are good teams. They are well established programs, and we have to play better."

The Tigers had a few chances early, but their shots were off, twice nailing the crossbar from close range.

"We hit the crossbar twice," Parker said. "If the ball is six inches lower, it's 2-1 at halftime."

FHSU will face No. 11 West Texas A&M (8-1-1) at noon today at FHSU Soccer Stadium. West Texas A&M defeated the Tigers 2-0 earlier in the season in Canyon, Texas, and won 3-0 on Sept. 27 at Eastern New Mexico.

Parker said his team can't dwell on Friday's loss.

"We'll get one quick short practice in before, and hopefully, we are ready to play," he said.

"If we're not, West Texas A&M will play us off the field just like Eastern New Mexico did."