By The Hays Daily News

OLATHE -- The Fort Hays State University men's soccer team fell 2-1 on Thursday to Lindenwood University in the semifinals of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament.

Lindenwood will face Northeastern State University in the championship game Saturday, while FHSU's season is temporarily over. The Tigers (11-5-2) now must await word to see if they will qualify for the national tournament.

Northeastern State defeated Truman, 2-0, in the other semifinal match.

Prior to Thursday's game, FHSU was ranked No. 2 in the NCAA Division II Central region. Northeastern State (12-3-3) was ahead of the Tigers, and Truman State University (10-6-1) was third. Lindenwood (14-2-3) isn't eligible for post-season play since recently transitioning to Division II from NAIA.

Against Lindenwood, FHSU never claimed the lead.

Lindenwood scored first in the 48th minute on a goal from Andre Hayne.

Tiger senior forward Tomas Mares responded with a goal in the 67th minute, shooting from the right side of the box. His shot hit the post and went in. It was Mares' 11th goal of the season -- a team high.

Lindenwood responded six and a half minutes later with the game-winning goal from Axel Duarte. Ivan Romero provided assists for each of Lindenwood's goals.

FHSU sophomore goalkeeper Kent Freund made eight saves, while FHSU only placed three shots on goal.

All-MIAA selections

Seven Tigers made the all-conference team.

Sophomore midfielder Tanner Brock, sophomore defender Eric Hymer and junior forward Daniel Peralta were named to the first team. Sophomore midfielder Diego Cabral, senior forward Tomas Mares and freshman forward Michael Cole were selected to the second team, and sophomore Kent Freund was an honorable mention selection at goalkeeper.

Brock was the lone unanimous selection for first-team all-MIAA honors. Brock finished with two goals and six assists and ranked second on the team in minutes played with 1,479, despite playing in the midfield.

Hymer started all 17 matches and played a team-best 1,545 minutes. He had an assist and helped FHSU average allowing only 1.35 goals per match during the regular season.

Peralta tied for the team lead in goals scored during the regular season with 10 and led the team in shot percentage for players with 10 or more shots at .244. Peralta scored three game-winning goals and converted all three of his penalty kick opportunities.

Cabral, an All-American last season, finished with seven assists and seven goals. Mares scored 10 goals during the regular season and had two assists. Cole had five goals and three assists.

Freund finished with a 6-2-2 record in goal and posted a .837 save percentage. He also had two clean sheets.