Stallions Fall in Heartbreaker at Home Opener

Onul Ozalp

Box Score

Wiley (TX) WILEY (T (1-2-0, 0-0)

North American NORTH AM (0-1-0, 0-0)

Wiley (TX) WILEY (T

(1-2-0, 0-0)

Final

Aug. 29, 2026

North American NORTH AM

(0-1-0, 0-0)

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	F
Wiley (TX) WILEY (T	0	1	1
North American NORTH AM	0	0	0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | 8/31/2026 12:31:00 PM

Stallions Fall in Heartbreaker at Home Opener

RRAC vs HBCUAC on the Deer Park Pitch

Next Game:

at University of Saint Thomas

9/1/2026 | 5:00PM

Next Game

Full Schedule

Sep. 01 (Tue) / 5:00PM

at University of Saint Thomas

History

Deer Park, Texas – The North American University Men's Soccer team battled for all 90 minutes in their first home match at Deer Park FC, but a late goal from Wiley University in the 89th minute handed the Stallions a tough 1-0 defeat Saturday afternoon.

Sometimes the game can be cruel.

The Stallions outshot Wiley 8-4 and put five shots on goal, but Wiley goalkeeper Joaquin Lesperguer came up with five saves to keep North American off the scoreboard. After 89 minutes of hard work, organization, and determination, Wiley capitalized on one opportunity as Aaron Castillo found the game winner with just 25 seconds remaining in regulation.

While the result hurts, there were plenty of positives to build on.

A huge shoutout to Flynn Faulkner, who was the engine connecting the midfield to the attack all afternoon. Flynn's composure, movement, and ability to link play helped keep the Stallions on the front foot throughout the match.

In the attacking third, Sandile Mdauli, Felipe Hernandez Carrasco, and Reynaldo Vanegas (#36) were relentless in creating pressure and threatening the Wiley back line. Their energy and attacking mindset kept North American dangerous from the opening whistle until the final seconds.

Defensively, Charlie Wells and goalkeeper Lutho Mkaba anchored a commanding and demanding defensive unit. The Stallions limited Wiley to just four total shots and only three shots on goal over the entire match. Their leadership and communication kept the team organized and gave North American every chance to earn a result.

A special acknowledgment goes to Jose Alonso Miranda.

Every championship program needs players willing to embrace roles that may never show up on a stat sheet. Jose stepped into what we call the "13th Man" role with the presence and leadership expected from a senior. He understood the assignment without it ever needing to be written down.

When physical play started to rise, Jose's leadership, composure, and presence made opponents think twice. More importantly, he demonstrated what it means to be a Champion of Character and represented the Stallion family the right way. Great teams are built on players willing to lead beyond the game itself, and Jose embodied that Saturday.

Deer Park FC Shows Up

A massive thank you goes out to Deer Park FC.

Club players, parents, coaches, and families came out throughout the day and supported the Stallions. Their energy created an atmosphere that our players appreciated and deserved.

However, one question was asked by a Deer Park parent that deserves repeating:

"Where are the NAU faculty and student body?"

We had staff members and a few administrators in attendance, and we appreciate those who came out. But we still need more members of the NAU family supporting these student-athletes.

I'll keep saying it until I see change.

This team deserves better.

Houston just showed the world what soccer means to this city. The excitement around the recent World Cup proved that people love soccer, fútbol, the beautiful game, whatever your culture calls it.

I call it school spirit.

You pay for your degree, but you earn your alumni status.

Let's show these student-athletes that the NAU community stands behind them.