PINEVILLE, La. — North American University men's soccer dropped a 4-0 decision to Louisiana Christian University on Thursday night at Wildcat Field, as the Wildcats scored once in the first half and added three second-half goals on October 15.
The Stallions (4-5-1, 2-3-1 RRAC) now turn their attention to the final stretch of the season, with two home matches remaining and an opportunity to build their résumé for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) postseason picture.
Although North American is not eligible for the Red River Athletic Conference Championship Tournament, the remaining matches still carry importance. Every performance provides an opportunity for the Stallions to improve, compete, and make their case as they pursue their postseason goals.
An Unfortunate First-Half Break
North American held Louisiana Christian scoreless through the opening 34 minutes before the Wildcats took the lead at 34:53. Juan Sierra sent a cross into the penalty area, and a North American defender's attempted clearance resulted in an own goal to give LCU a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
The Stallions entered the second half looking to respond, but the Wildcats extended their lead at 55:34 when Sierra capitalized on a loose ball near the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.
Louisiana Christian added another goal at 58:14 when Aran Hernández Vivar set up Manuel Sosa-Villaseñor. The Wildcats forward struck again at 63:48, finishing a cross from Ezra Williams to complete his brace and establish the final 4-0 margin.
Stallions Create Chances, Look for Finishing Touch
North American finished with seven shots, putting three on target, while Louisiana Christian recorded 18 shots and seven shots on goal.
Desailly Bastien-Cowan led the Stallions with two shots and one on target. Enzo Di Mauro also attempted two shots, while Sandile Mdauli and Reynaldo Vanegas each recorded a shot on goal.
In net, Lutho Mkaba started for the Stallions and recorded three saves in 63:48 of action before being replaced in the second half. Bercel Ban came on to finish the match, playing the final 26:12. North American also earned two corner kicks and committed nine fouls.
Louisiana Christian's Ricardo Gross stopped all three shots he faced before Tyson Cole finished the match in goal for the Wildcats.
The difference on the scoreboard was clear, but North American must now take the lessons from Thursday's performance and turn its attention toward the opportunities still ahead.
The Beautiful Game Needs Its Community
There were 119 people in attendance at Wildcat Field on Thursday night. For a sport with a global following, that number is a reminder of the work still needed to build consistent soccer support at the collegiate level.  North American University has one of the most internationally diverse student communities in the region. Soccer, or fútbol, is more than a game across much of the world. It is a gathering place, a source of pride, and a shared language that connects people across cultures.  Now, the Stallions need that energy at home.
NAU has two home games remaining, and this is a call to action for alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. Come out to Sabercat Stadium, support your Stallions, and help create an atmosphere that reflects the passion soccer deserves.
You cannot ask a team to represent the university, its students, and its community without the community showing up to represent the team.  The Stallions will keep competing. Now it is time for the campus to do its part.
Support or shut up. Go Stallions!
Up Next: Stallions Head to LSU Alexandria
North American returns to the pitch on Saturday, October 17, traveling to Alexandria, Louisiana, to face LSU Alexandria at 3 p.m. CDT. The Stallions will look to regroup, sharpen their finishing, and build momentum as they continue working toward their USCAA postseason goals.
The road continues Saturday. Go Stallions!
