HOUSTON, Texas — Jacksonville University men's soccer opened its 2026 campaign with a statement Thursday night, earning a 2-0 road victory over Houston Christian at Sorrels Field.

The victory marked Jacksonville's first season-opening win since 2020 and the first under head coach Ali Simmons. It came against a Houston Christian program that entered the season following back-to-back appearances in the OVC Championship match.

After a scoreless opening half, Matias Tobon broke through for the Dolphins in the 53rd minute. The previous ASUN All-Freshman selection picked up where he left off last season, calmly converting a penalty kick to give JU the lead.

Mathias Mjaavatn added the insurance goal at the 80:22 mark, finishing a move created by Tobon and Dante Wright. The goal came less than six minutes after Mjaavatn entered the match and was his first in a Dolphin uniform.

Both Jacksonville goals came from players off the bench. Tobon finished the night with a goal and an assist, while Wright also recorded an assist.

Simen Havig handled the rest in goal, making four saves to secure the shutout. Houston Christian finished with a 10-6 advantage in total shots, but both teams placed four attempts on goal as the Dolphins made the most of their opportunities.

Jacksonville's starting lineup featured Havig, Nahne Paulsen, Simon Libert, Romain Spailier, Diego Valles, Dante Wright, Spencer Potter, Kai Tamashiro, Iver Skorve, Alejandro Carrillo and Quinten Koster.

The Dolphins continue their Texas road trip Sunday when they travel to San Antonio for an 8 p.m. ET matchup with Incarnate Word.