HTown Showdown
HOUSTON, TX — September 2, 2026 — Class all the way.
The North American University Stallions didn't just show St. Thomas how to compete with class — they showed them how to host with class.
In this H-Town Derby, the Stallions showed what it means to be Champions of Character in adversity: strike first, respond when challenged, and when it's time to close the door — close it.
And standing between UST and that door was Lutho Mkaba — Big L.
Not just a wall. A SHIELD.
UST put 15 shots on goal. Big L stopped 14.
15 SOG. 14 SAVES.
That's not just goalkeeping. That's protecting the house.
Mkaba also helped NAU build from the back, including some outstanding long direct throws that immediately flipped the field and put the Stallions on the attack.
THREE GOALS. THREE DIFFERENT STALLIONS.
NAU struck first in the 23rd minute when Felipe Hernandez Carrasco finished off a beautiful setup from Sandile Mdauli.
UST answered in the second half, but the Stallions didn't blink.
Just seven minutes later, Flynn Faulkner put NAU back in front — again with Sandile providing the assist.
Then, in the 77th minute, Fernando Lopez Montoya delivered the knockout punch, finishing off a corner from Reynaldo Vanegas.
1–3. Door closed.
THE DEFENSE WAS WORKING
In front of Big L, Young Captain Charlie Wells and his defensive crew were basically Secret Service, holding UST to just one goal.
Wells finished with an impressive 21 tackles.
Captain Wells — keep bringing those headers. One is going through eventually!
Kemi Ekoka was fearless in the challenges with 11 successful tackles.
While Jose Alonso Miranda provided the cool, calm leadership needed to keep Coach's orders moving throughout the match.
Then came Desailly Bastien-Cowan, our relief pitcher. He picked up right where Sandile left off, standing on the necks of the UST back line and creating problems in the corners.
And speaking of corners, Vanegas was putting that service on a plate.
SANDILE: GAME BALL
Sandile Mdauli may not have scored, but he was everywhere.
Three shots. Two assists.
And he did his Harry Kane thing — tracking back, dropping deep into the midfield and finishing with nine tackles.
And we know it was more than that.
Some things just aren't Presto-stat trackable. Keep that part.
Coach Smith praised the team's communication and ability to respond to direction, while also recognizing the quality of the opponent.
UST came in as an NCAA Division III program and defending SCAC champion, with strong connections from defense through the midfield.
But from the booth, you could see it.
They tried to build it.
The Stallions stampeded on it.
Coach Smith put it best:
"These young men gave it their all tonight. They listened, they communicated, and when adversity hit, they responded. That's what I'm most proud of."
That's H-Town Derby Mode.
Class. Character. Composure. Then BOOM.
The Stallions showed Houston what NAU Soccer is all about.
UP NEXT
Huston-Tillotson at North American
Thursday, September 3 | 7:00 PM
FC Deer Park Soccer Complex
FREE admission.
Come out and celebrate Texas Soccer with us.
Let's Ride, Stallions.
