North American University

HOUSTON — Sometimes a soccer match is about more than the final score. Thursday night, North American University found itself down 1-0 at halftime against Paul Quinn, but the Stallions had something every team needs when the game gets difficult — senior leadership.

Paul Quinn struck first at the 35:30 mark, taking a 1-0 advantage into halftime. North American answered in the second half, and the Stallions didn't panic.

At 75:33, Genevieve Colon leveled the match, finishing a pass from Alexia Velazquez to make it 1-1.

Just 5:36 later, Tanya Rivera delivered the go-ahead goal at 81:09, with a run by Genevieve and a great flick from Kyra De Boer providing the assist. North American had turned a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 lead.

And then came the part that separates teams.

Closing out a game takes leadership.

When things aren't going your way, somebody has to settle the group down. Somebody has to communicate. Somebody has to remind the younger players that the game isn't over just because the scoreboard isn't in your favor.

That's what good senior leadership does.

It doesn't always mean scoring the winning goal. Sometimes leadership is the voice behind you. Sometimes it's making the right defensive play. Sometimes it's keeping your teammates focused when momentum starts moving the other direction.

North American finished the night with nine shots, five on goal and two goals, while goalkeeper Arely Sarabia recorded two saves over the 90 minutes.

The Stallions didn't need a perfect first half. They needed a response.

And they got one.

FINAL: North American 2, Paul Quinn 1

Coach Jackson's Take

Good teams need talent. Good teams need coaching. But championship-level teams also need seniors who understand that leadership is not a title — it's an action.

Tonight, the Stallions showed what can happen when experienced players help guide the team through adversity.

Down 1-0? Keep playing.  Tied 1-1? Keep pushing.  Up 2-1? Finish the job.

That's senior leadership.    Hooves Up.

UP NEXT

No long break for the Stallions.

North American gets right back to work on Saturday, September 19, when the Stallions take on Texas Southmost College at 6 p.m.

North American vs. Texas Southmost College
Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:00 p.m. CDT

Then, after that one, North American will host A&M-Victoria on September 26 at 1 p.m.

Two matches. One week. More opportunities for the Stallions to keep building.

Hooves Up.  Gooooooo Stallionssssssssssss!!!!!!!!