PORTALES, N.M. – An early second-half goal from Rogers State handed the Eastern New Mexico men's soccer team their first Heartland Conference loss of the season Thursday evening.

Following a strong storm that moved through the Portales area early in the evening, a pushed back starting time allowed both teams to get on the field and get the game in with just a light sprinkle at times. The Hillcats (4-3, 2-1 Heartland) used a goal in the 51^st minute off of a corner kick to better the Hounds in the match despite being outshot by a final total of 14-8.

Both teams put three shot attempts on goal, with the Hounds getting a few quality chances in the second half that just missed the target high. Sophomore Gabriel Peres began a string of three shot attempts at the end of the game with a ball just over the top cross bar with just under four minutes remaining in the game.

Freshman Aderi Arthur-Dede followed up that shot attempt roughly 30 seconds later that just missed the target left. Peres led the team with five shots while Arthur-Dede finished with four.

Sophomore Lucas Vaz recorded the other shot on goal for the Hounds.

Eastern New Mexico will have a quick turnaround after suffering their first loss of their Heartland Conference schedule as they return to the field Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. for a match scheduled against Newman inside Greyhound Stadium.