A top‑five start at Washburne Stadium
The Mustangs welcomed HCU to Dallas on Monday, August 31, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time. The match will be streamed live on ACCNX, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the early‑season showdown.
SMU entered the game ranked No. 5 in the nation and boasted a 3‑0‑0 start to the season, a streak that includes a 3‑1 victory over HCU in 2021. The win extended the Mustangs’ unbeaten home series against the Hawks to 6‑1‑1, underscoring the program’s stronghold at Washburne Stadium.
Midfield dynamo Jaylinn Mitchell has been the catalyst, contributing a goal and four assists in the first three matches and topping the ACC in assists. His creativity helped the offense generate 20 attempts, five of which were on target, while the defense limited HCU to zero shots on goal.
The backline, anchored by senior transfer Noah Holmstrøm — the 2025 Sun Belt Defender of the Year — kept the opposition at bay, allowing SMU to control possession and dictate tempo. Coach’s tactical adjustments paid off, as the team combined disciplined defending with an aggressive attacking framework.
HCU, meanwhile, arrived after a 1‑0 loss to UC San Diego on August 27, slipping to 1‑2‑0 early in the season. The Hawks will look to rebound, but they face a Mustangs side that appears poised to maintain its early dominance.
With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, SMU’s 2026 squad aims to translate its strong start into a sustained push for conference glory. The upcoming fixtures promise to test the team’s depth, but the early signs suggest the Mustangs are ready to compete at the highest level.