For the third time in as many years, the Lindenwood men's soccer team has reached the MIAA Men's Soccer Tournament championship match. The Lions advanced to the finals on Thursday with a 2-0 win over Fort Hays State in a first-round game.
 
Lindenwood came into the contest with a 0-2-0 record against Fort Hays State this year, but the Lions won the biggest matchup. The Lions got on the board first in the 23rd minute when Alfredo Paez headed in a pass off the foot of Steven Hutchison. That was Lindenwood's only shot on goal in the first half, but it took a 1-0 lead into the break after three saves by Andrew Hamerlinck.
 
In the second half, the Lions added an insurance goal in the 60th minute. Paez was in the middle of the action again after taking a shot on goal. The Tigers' goalie made the save, but the rebound went right to Stefan Andric who put the ball in the open net for a 2-0 Lindenwood lead. That would be the final goal of the game as Fort Hays State managed just two more shots on goal, both of which were turned away by Hamerlinck.
 
Lindenwood improves to 10-6-3 on the year, and the program has now recorded double-figure wins for five straight seasons. The Lions will play for the conference tournament title and a spot in the national tournament on Saturday at 11 a.m. The opponent will be Northeastern State, the No. 14 team in NCAA Division II and the regular season MIAA champion.