Written by Rev. Justin C. Jackson
HAWKINS, Texas — October 4, 2025

In a bruising and highly charged contest between familiar rivals, the North American University Stallions men's soccer team came up just short on the road, falling 2–1 to Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. The matchup carried extra weight, as both programs share a traditional rival in Texas College—adding intensity and pride to every challenge, tackle, and counterattack.

The first half was a defensive chess match, with both sides trading possession and momentum but neither breaking through. The pace quickened after the break when Pedro Ortega opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a confident strike from the edge of the box, giving the Stallions a 1–0 lead and firing up the NAU sideline.

However, Jarvis Christian stormed back late. The Bulldogs equalized in the 83rd minute when Kevin Ochoa capitalized on a rebound in the box. Just four minutes later, Luis Rosales found the net off an assist from Christian Gonzalez, sealing the 2–1 comeback win for Jarvis Christian.

The game grew increasingly physical down the stretch, with several yellow cards issued to both sides as emotions ran high. Midfielder Alejandro Perez picked up a caution for the Stallions in the 85th minute, while Jarvis saw cards to Daniel Sierra and Arturo Gonzalez in a tense closing sequence.

NAU goalkeeper Gino Burioni stayed composed in goal, facing 10 total shots and recording 3 saves in 90 minutes of play. The Stallions managed 7 shots overall, including 3 on frame, led by Ortega, Mainor Suazo, and Pablo Gil, who each tested the Jarvis defense.

Despite the narrow loss, North American continues to show growth and fight in RRAC play—displaying flashes of sharp midfield control and defensive resilience against one of the conference's scrappiest opponents.

Up next, the Stallions return home to host the University of the Southwest on Thursday, October 9th, before gearing up for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season — The Texas College Steers Trail Ride to SaberCat Stadium for the newly renamed NAIA Rodeo Shootout, formerly known as the "I-59 Showdown." (Since the highway was officially renamed to I-69, so was the rivalry.)

Expect the hooves to thunder, the fans to roar, and the intensity to rise as this Texas rivalry takes on a new identity.

Get those 4-fingered hooves up and get ready to pack SaberCat Stadium for the next two home games — because Stallion Soccer is riding strong into the heart of October!