The Midshipmen entered their season opener with high hopes, but the match quickly slipped away as UC San Diego's attacking prowess took control. Despite an early competitive stretch, Navy found itself outmatched in the second half, conceding four goals in a span that proved decisive.
UC San Diego struck first in the fifth minute when Sean McTague delivered a precise cross that set up Oren Stuppel's tap‑in, giving the visitors a narrow lead. Stuppel, however, was not done, adding a brace before halftime and finishing with a total of two goals.
The first half also saw contributions from Kelham Wolf and Gavin Carlson, whose combined efforts set up Cael McElderry's finish, while Navy's goalkeeper Carmody made a career‑high five saves to keep the score within reach.
Second‑Half Surge
After the break, UC San Diego's offense exploded. Ryan Namdar, who had already been involved earlier, netted a brace, capping his performance with the final goal in the 85th minute. Additional strikes from the opposition stretched the lead to seven, underscoring Navy's defensive frailties.
The match served as a debut platform for several Navy newcomers — Liam Plum, Jack Illig, Cohen Nance, Denis Pauze, and Chase Paige — all of whom saw action on the field. While the experience will be valuable for their development, the team will need to regroup quickly to address the gaps exposed.
Head Coach John Hackworth, in his first regular‑season game at the helm, acknowledged the learning curve his squad faces. He praised the competitive first half but emphasized the necessity of tightening defense and improving transition play before the next contest.
Navy's next test arrives on Sunday, November 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET, when they travel to face San Diego State. The upcoming match offers a chance to rebound and fine‑tune the adjustments Coach Hackworth plans to implement.