Written by Rev. Justin C. Jackson

HOUSTON, TX (Third Ward) – Under the Thursday night lights at Durley Field, the Lady Stallions of North American University stepped into hostile territory for a matchup of the week against the Texas Southern Lady Tigers. The buzz around Houston was real – TSU has reloaded with 4- and 5-star freshmen blue-chips who can turn a possession-heavy build-up into highlight-reel explosions. On the other side, NAU showed they were ready to embrace their new identity: a disciplined counterattacking squad ready to strike when opportunity knocked.

And from the opening whistle, this one had fireworks written all over it.

The pace was blistering – the turf monster made its presence known, sending balls skidding faster and bouncing higher than either side expected. That speed created chaos. Passes overran their targets, midfielders were chasing, and both squads were sprinting to adjust. But where some would've folded, both teams doubled down.

TSU's midfield pressed high and hard, living in the Lady Stallions' faces with relentless pressure. And it paid off. In the 22nd minute, McKayla Flores delivered a dangerous service from the right touchline. Savannah Muldrew rose to the moment, timing her left-foot strike perfectly for a rainbow shot that kissed just under the crossbar and just over the outstretched fingers of NAU keeper Arely Sarabia. TSU took the 1-0 lead.

But don't get it twisted – that goal didn't break NAU, it woke them up. 

The Stallions regrouped and sharpened their counters, with midfield sparkplug #9 Darla Artola and playmaker #10 Genevieve Colon finding open looks. Colon's right boot nearly equalized, but TSU keeper Alessandra Bastidas showed elite reflexes, snatching a would-be goal and finishing the night with three clutch saves.

Just before halftime, TSU struck again. This time, defensive iron Jocelyn Musil slipped a through-ball past the Stallions' backline. Subbed-on attacker Kamara Bradley, known across the SWAC for her "Tiger Kick," wasted no time. From 31 yards out, Bradley unleashed a rocket that froze the crowd and doubled the Lady Tigers' lead, 2-0 at the break.

The second half was a slugfest. NAU came out with urgency – pushing their counters harder, feeding Artola and Colon.  Stallions answer back with fire — Artola and Colon finding lanes, shots on goal, but Bastidas stonewalls them in the net.  Getting critical defensive stops from Genesis Rivera and Andrea Davila, who were everywhere. And give Coach Smith credit – his bold decision to move striker Ashley Dodd into a wing-back role is paying dividends. Dodd pressed high, disrupted TSU's flank play, with help from Suzy The Boss Lady Baltazar and gave NAU new life in transition.

But the numbers tell the story – Texas Southern fired 30 total shots, 10 on frame, while NAU managed just 5 shots, 3 on goal. Sarabia was nothing short of heroic, standing tall for 8 saves and keeping the Stallions within striking distance until the final whistle.

Final score: Texas Southern 2, North American 0.

Coach's View

"Proud of the fight," Coach Dane Smith said postgame. "We asked our ladies to dig deep against a talented NCAA program, and they showed heart. This is a foundation game. The next time we come back, we'll be stronger, faster, and hungrier."

Shout Outs

A huge thank you to TSU's SIDA Sierra Henry and SID Ryan McGinty for their hospitality and first-class hosting of this crosstown clash.

Up Next

The Lady Stallions turn their focus to a USCAA rivalry showdown against Paul Quinn College. Last year, the two squads battled to a draw, but this year, bragging rights are on the line – and so is momentum in the hunt for a tournament berth. Catch the action live on www.youtube.com/@PaulQuinnOfficial.

So Stallion Nation, keep the energy high, keep believing in this young team finding its identity, and remember —

Get Those Hooves Up and Gooooooo Stallionsssssss!!!!!! 
To See Game Gallery Click here
https://stallions.na.edu/galleries/womens-soccer/womens-soccer-vs-tsu-25/76
To Watch the replay Click here