The Hillcats became the second GAC team this season to defeat Rockhurst, taking down the Hawks, 5-1. Defensive Player of the Week Alex Laing recorded a conference-best five points in the match as RSU matched its most goals for a single match since 2024.
Northeastern State (1-3) picked up its first win of the season while giving Oklahoma Christian its first loss of the 2026 campaign. The Riverhawks held a 3-1 lead before a late OC goal brought the final tally to 3-2.
Southern Nazarene (2-1) defeated West Texas A&M in its lone match of the week with a 1-0 decision while No. 14 Fort Hays State (2-1-1, 0-0 GAC) and Ouachita Baptist (2-1-1, 0-0 GAC) each stayed above .500 with a 1-0-1 week and an 0-1-1 week, respectively.
One more week of non-conference play awaits the seven GAC teams before beginning league action Thursday, Sept. 17
GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE MEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSIVE
Carter Adams | Northeastern State | FWD | Jr. | Edmond, Okla.
Northeastern State junior forward Carter Adams helped deliver NSU’s first win of the season, netting two shots to become one of three GAC players this season to post a two-goal match. The win also signaled Oklahoma Christian’s first loss of 2026.
DEFENSIVE
Alex Laing | Rogers State | DEF | Sr. | London, England
Rogers State senior defender Alex Laing recorded a conference-best five points in the Hillcats’ 5-1 win over Rockhurst, recording two goals and an assist. Towards the end of the week, Laing and Rogers State remained undefeated with two goals in the final three minutes of regulation to tie UT Tyler on the road, 2-2.
GOALKEEPER
Payton Roehrich | Fort Hays State | GK | So. | Chandler, Ariz.
Fort Hays State sophomore goalkeeper Payton Roehrich put together a solid week in goal, with his only goal allowed on a penalty kick opportunity. Roehrich picked up his first individual shutout of the season in a 2-0 win over William Jewell in Hays, Kan. Roehrich kept (RV) Fort Lewis scoreless until the 82nd minute when a penalty kick opportunity spoiled his bid for a second shutout for the week and FHSU had to settle for a draw. However, the second-year goalie notched a career-high seven saves in the contest with FLC.
WEEKLY AWARDS
GAC Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 1 Francisco Degiorgi, Fort Hays State
Sept. 8 Carter Adams, Northeastern State
GAC Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 1 Alex Fletcher, Rogers State
Sept. 8 Alex Laing, Rogers State
GAC Goalkeeper of the Week
Sept. 1 Tristan Miller, Rogers State
Sept. 8 Payton Roehrich, Fort Hays State
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