HOBBS, N.M. — October 1, 2026 — Sometimes you don't need 20 shots. You just need one that finds the back of the net — and a goalkeeper who refuses to let anything through.
North American University men's soccer went on the road Thursday and walked away with a 1-0 victory over the University of the Southwest, improving the Stallions to 4-2-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
The Stallions may have been outshot 20-5, but when the final whistle sounded, it was North American celebrating.
And once again, Lutho Mkaba was standing between the opponent and the scoreboard.
MKABA: 16 SAVES. ZERO GOALS.
Southwest kept the pressure coming all afternoon, firing
20 shots with 16 on goal.
Mkaba answered every single one.
The North American goalkeeper finished with a staggering 16 saves over 90 minutes, recording his latest clean sheet and keeping the Stallions alive through a scoreless opening half.
Southwest generated 10 shots in each half, while North American managed just five for the match.
But the Stallions had the only number that ultimately mattered.  1.
ONE SHOT. ONE GOAL. THREE POINTS.
After a scoreless first half, North American finally broke through in the 64th minute.
At 63:58, Felipe Hernandez Carrasco finished a feed from Kemi Ekoka, giving the Stallions the 1-0 advantage.
Hernandez's shot was one of only three North American attempts on target — and it was enough.
Ekoka picked up the assist, while Hernandez provided the finish. From there, the Stallions went into protect-the-house mode.
Southwest continued attacking, producing another 10 shots in the second half, but Mkaba and the North American defense refused to crack.
THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY
Southwest controlled much of the statistical sheet:
- Southwest: 20 shots, 16 shots on goal
- North American: 5 shots, 3 shots on goal
- Southwest: 9 corner kicks
- North American: 2 corner kicks
- Southwest: 9 fouls
- North American: 5 fouls
But soccer isn't won by the team with the prettiest stat sheet.
It's won by the team with more goals.  North American had one.
Southwest had none.
SENIOR-LEVEL COMPOSURE
The Stallions had to absorb pressure for long stretches, especially with Southwest earning nine corner kicks and putting 16 attempts on target.
Instead of panicking, North American protected its one-goal advantage.
Hernandez delivered the moment.   Ekoka delivered the setup.
Mkaba delivered the wall.     And the Stallions delivered the result.
Final: North American 1, Southwest 0.
UP NEXT
North American returns home Saturday, October 3, to face Texas College as the Stallions look to keep the momentum rolling.
North American University: 4-2-1 overall | 1-1 conference
Rev. Jackson
