CANYON, TEXAS – West Texas A&M Men's Soccer (3-5-1, 1-0-1 LSC) continue Lone Star Conference (LSC) play this week as they travel to Oklahoma Christian on Wednesday, September 30 before hosting UT Dallas on Saturday, October 3. Wednesday's game will kick off at 4:00 p.m. while Saturday's game is set for 1:00 p.m.    
 
Follow the Buffs
Both games will be streamed live on Flo Sports (registration required). Live Stats will be provided by Oklahoma Christian on Wednesday and then by West Texas A&M on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased here.
 
Last Time Out
West Texas A&M opened up LSC play this past week as they traveled to Texas A&M International and hosted UT Tyler.  
 
Buffs Battle to 0-0 Draw in LSC Opener Against Dustdevils- September 23, 2026
The Buffaloes set the tone early as they put sustained offensive pressure on TAMIU in the first 10 minutes. WT produced three shots (one on goal) with three corner kicks to open the game but could not find an early goal. Defensively, the Buffs stood tall against seven-minute wave by the Dustdevils where they came away with one shot and two corners. West Texas A&M continuously was able to push back TAMIU with their offense to generate scoring opportunities. Their best chance would come in the 36th minute on a counterattack where Desire Essis had a breakaway shot saved. WT produced eight shots and seven corner kicks in the first half as they controlled possession but ultimately went into halftime tied 0-0.
 
Out of the break, the Dustdevils would look to strike first with two corners and a shot in the first two minutes, but again WT's defense kept them off the board. Following the early surge by TAMIU, a physical defensive battle would take place with 13 combined fouls (26 overall) and three yellow cards in the second half. The Buffs were still able to control possession but could not create the shots that they did in the first half. Late in the 82nd minute, Myles Taylor nearly found the go-ahead goal with a header, but his shot fell left. The score would finalize at 0-0 as WT added one point in the standings to open LSC play.
 
Top Buffs

• Zach Kos made his first start of the season and came away with a three-save shutout in all 90 minutes.
• Joe Ballenger logged 90 minutes on defense and recorded one shot which landed on goal. This was Ballenger's fourth straight and fourth overall game playing all 90 minutes.
• Delahmu Reeves landed one shot on goal in his 49 minutes of action.

 
Davis Tallies Three Points as Buffs Pick Up 3-1 Win Over UT Tyler- September 26, 2026
The Buffs produced a nice start to the game as they compiled two shots (one on goal) and a corner kick through the first eight minutes. In the 14th minute, Joe Ballenger came away with a crucial defensive play as he blocked a breakaway shot for the Patriots right in front of WT's net after hustling back on defense to keep the score 0-0. That score did not sit for long as the Buffaloes would strike first in the 23rd minute. Following a yellow card on UT Tyler, WT would have a free kick just outside the top of the box. D'Jonte Davis would take the kick and chip it nicely into a herd of Buffs. Oumar Berete moved to the front of that group and forcefully headed the ball into the back of the net 15 yards out to give WT a 1-0 lead. UTT would tie the game in the 33rd minute as Noe Coutino converted a penalty kick. That penalty would be reviewed minutes later after initially taking place and ultimately awarded to the Patriots as the game was equalized at 1-1. West Texas A&M wasted little time retaking that lead as they would strike for the second time in the half in the 39th minute. On the backline, Gianluca Pedroso delivered an absolute gem of a ball as it traveled all the way to a streaking Myles Taylor halfway into WT's attacking zone. Taylor would make initial contact with the ball off his left knee to push it forward and would beat the defender to the ball right outside the box. In stride, Taylor blasted a shot off his left foot to the bottom left corner as he extended WT's lead. The Buffs held that 2-1 advantage going into halftime.
 
Out of the break, West Texas A&M continued to apply pressure with a corner kick and two shots. In the 54th minute, Davis would double WT's lead after being set up by Ben Scotford into the box. The Prosper, Texas native maneuvered his way deep into the box and fired a shot with his left foot past the keeper for the goal. Davis would hit a backflip to celebrate as the Buffaloes now held a commanding 3-1 advantage. WT continued to create chances offensively, but the defense did their part to hold the lead. The Patriots would be limited to two shots (one on goal) and three corner kicks following Davis' goal in the 54th minute. The score would finalize at 3-1 in favor of West Texas A&M as they picked up their first LSC win of the season.
 
Top Buffs

• D'Jonte Davis tallied three points from his first goal of the season and his second assist. He also registered two shots with one on goal in 78 minutes. Davis is up to four points on the year.
• Oumar Berete scored his second goal of the season to go with three shots (two on goal) in 49 minutes. This was a season-best mark in shots and shots on goal for Berete. He now holds four points this season.  
• Myles Taylor also scored his second goal of the season in his 27 minutes of action. He would score his lone shot for his fifth point of the season.

 
The House of Felix
Through the first seven games, senior Felix Casas has tied or set new career marks in multiple offensive categories. Casas has totaled two goals, two assists, six points, 16 shots, and eight shots on goal in his 442 minutes. All of those marks are new single season-highs for the Juarez, Mexico native except for the goals which tied his total from last season and the minutes, both of which he is also set to break.
 
Active Atkins
With two full 90-minute games this past week, freshman defender Damron Atkins extended his streak of consecutive 90-minute games to seven. Atkins has started every game on defense and leads the team in minutes with 762.
 
West Texas A&M Statistical Leaders (Amount)

• Points- Felix Casas (6)
• Goals- Felix Casas & Myles Taylor (2)
• Assists- Felix Casas & D'Jonte Davis (2)
• Game-Winning Goals- Myles Taylor (2)
• Shots on Goal- Felix Casas (8)
• Shots- Felix Casas & Ben Scotford (16)
• Minutes by a Field Player- Damron Atkins (582)
• 90 Minute Games by a Field Player- Damron Atkins (7)
• Saves- Bryce Cottle (12)
• Save Percentage- Zach Kos (75.0%)
• Goals Allowed Average- Zach Kos (0.90)
• Goalkeeper Wins- Luke Southerington, Bryce Cottle & Zach Kos (1)
• Shutouts- Luke Southerington, Bryce Cottle & Zach Kos (1)

 
West Texas A&M Team Statistics (LSC Ranking)

• 12.0 shots per game (7^th) | 5.44 shots on goal per game (5^th)
• 3.0 points per game (9^th) | 1.0 goals per game (9^th) | 1.0 assists per game (6^th)
• 1.89 goals allowed per game (10^th) | 2.56 saves per game (9^th)
• 11.0 fouls per game (7^th) | 5.0 corner kicks per game (7^th)

(all stats accumulated 9/28/26)
 
Series History
Wednesday's game against Oklahoma Christian will be the 19th iteration of the battle between the Buffaloes and Eagles. WT holds a 15-1-2 advantage in the series and have a current three-game unbeaten streak which includes last years victory.
 
Buffaloes Battle Back for a 4-2 Win Over Oklahoma Christian- October 8, 2025
WT took an early lead against the Eagles in the first half with a goal from Desire Essis in the 11th minute, making the score 1-0. Despite OC's Ethan Nakolo attempting two shots, neither found the target. The Buffs extended their lead to 2-0 in the 39th minute with a goal by Ben Scotford. The half concluded with the Buffs holding their advantage, having capitalized on key opportunities to secure a two-goal lead.
 
The Buffs secured a 4-2 victory over Okla. Christian in a tense second half. Oklahoma Christian's Ethan Nakolo scored twice, first at 64' and again at 72', both assisted by Igor Caballero, leveling the score at 2-2. The Buffs responded with Delahmu Reeves netting a goal at 76' to reclaim the lead. Desire Essis then extended the advantage with a goal at 82'.
 
Ben Scotford scored one goal on his lone shot, which was also on target. Delahmu Reeves tallied a goal with his shot count including two on goal, earning the game-winning goal. Desire Essis contributed significantly with two goals from three shots, all of which were on target. Bryce Cottle played a full 90 minutes in goal without recording a save, facing 13 shots and allowing two goals.
 
Saturday's game against UT Dallas will be the third all-time meeting between the programs. The Comets took the first two games in the series, both of which came last season.
 
Early Goal Dooms the Buffs in Their Home Opener, 1-0- September 11, 2025
The first half saw UTD seize an early lead with a goal by Callum Thompson in the 17th minute, assisted by Evan Pustejovsky. The Buffs maintained pressure with several corner kicks and shots, including an early attempt by Felix Casas, which was saved by Comet goalkeeper Ryder Claborn. Despite the efforts of the Buffs, including a save by their own goalkeeper Zach Kos in the 42nd minute, they were unable to find the back of the net.
 
In the second half, the Buffs and Comets continued their tightly contested match. The Buffs' Sam Carles pressed early with a shot saved by UTD goalkeeper Ryder Claborn at 46:05. UT Dallas countered with attempts from Ryan Anderson and Evan Pustejovsky, but Kos managed a crucial save at 50:22. Despite numerous corner kicks and shots from the Buffs, including efforts by Ziv Shlimak and Finley Axcell, Claborn maintained a strong defensive presence, ending the game with UTD winning 1-0.
 
Zach Kos made two saves in the match, facing 11 shots and allowing one goal. Connor Duggan led the offensive effort with three shots, though none were on target. Casas registered two shots on goal, contributing to the team's attacking chances. Axcell also contributed with one shot on goal, adding to the defensive effort.
 
Buffs Drop a Lone Star Conference Road Matchup at UT Dallas- October 11, 2025
The game started with aggressive offensive efforts from both sides. In the 10th minute, UTD's Evan Pustejovsky broke through with a goal, assisted by Avery Brazzell, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The Buffs attempted to respond with multiple shots on target, including efforts from Dylan Cabrera and Sharif Mohammed, but each was saved by Ryder Claborn. Despite four corner kicks and a persistent attack from the Buffs, the Comets maintained their one-goal advantage to close the first half.
 
The second half saw UT Dallas solidify their lead over the Buffs with a late goal. Tabor Robinson's early shot in the 49th minute was saved by the Buffs' goalkeeper, Bryce Cottle. Mohammed's attempt in the 58th minute was similarly denied by Claborn. The match's tension escalated with multiple fouls and yellow cards, including a caution for Venancio Calderon in the 75th minute. In the 89th minute, Brazzell scored for UTD with an assist from Luke Harris, sealing a 2-0 victory as the half concluded.
 
Mohammed recorded all three of his shots on goal, demonstrating consistent pressure from the midfield. Cottle played the full 90 minutes in goal, making two saves while facing eight shots in the match. D'Jonte Davis contributed with two shots, including one on goal, from his forward position. Cabrera also managed two shots, with one on target, adding to the team's offensive efforts.
 
Scouting Oklahoma Christian
The Oklahoma Christian University Eagles come into this match holding a 4-3-2 record with an 0-0-2 mark following the opening week of LSC play. The Eagles tied UT Dallas and DBU last week in their LSC openers. Against common opponents, OCU beat Colorado Chrisitan and Newman while losing to Southern Nazarene. Oklahoma Chrisitan is coming off a 2025 season where they went 6-10-1 while holding a 3-7 record in the LSC to finish ninth in the standings. OCU came into this season projected to finish ninth in the LSC Preseason Poll.
 
The offseason saw OCU lose their First Team All-American in Ethan Nakolo along with Gerome Gohlke and Nick Hardiman. Nakolo tallied 17 goals and two assist as he would be named D2CCA First Team All-American, South Central Region Player of the Year and LSC Player and Forward of the Year. Gohlke finished second on the team in minutes with 1246 at center back. Hardiman started 14 games in goal and made 46 saves on a 69.7 percentage to go with a 1.45 goals allowed average and three shutouts.
 
Key returners for the Eagles include Alejandro Gomez, Igor Caballero, Tyler Ackah-Wheatcroft, and Mason Tracey. Gomez was named Third Team All-LSC with one goal and assist in the midfield. Caballero finished second in points on the team with nine from one goal and seven assists. Ackah-Wheatcroft and Tracey scored six and five points respectively.
 
Through nine games, Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards leads the Eagles with 10 points from five goals. He also has a team-high 13 shots on goal. Luis Alvis, Ackah-Wheatcroft, and Caballero all have 4+ points with Alvis totaling five from a goal and assist. Dant Caffaro has started every game in goal and made 25 saves on a 73.5 percentage. He has a 1.13 goals allowed average with three shutouts.
 
Head Coach Neil Hilton enters his third year at the helm of Oklahoma Christian. He has notched a 12-18-4 record during his tenure with a 6-13-1 mark in LSC play.
 
Oklahoma Christian Statistical Leaders (Amount)

• Points- Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards (10)
• Goals- Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards (5)
• Assists- Igor Caballero (4)
• Game-Winning Goals- Luis Alvis & Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards (1)
• Shots on Goal- Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards (13)
• Shots- Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards (24)
• Minutes by a Field Player- Hunter Wilson (719)
• 90 Minute Games by a Field Player- Hunter Wilson (7)
• Saves- Dante Caffaro (25)
• Save Percentage- Dante Caffaro (73.5%)
• Goals Allowed Average- Dante Caffaro (1.13)
• Goalkeeper Wins- Dante Caffaro (3)
• Shutouts- Dante Caffaro (3)

 
Oklahoma Christian Team Statistics (LSC Ranking)

• 11.89 shots per game (8^th) | 4.56 shots on goal per game (9^th)
• 4.11 points per game (5^th) | 1.44 goals per game (5^th) | 1.22 assists per game (5^th)
• 1.33 goals allowed per game (6^th) | 2.89 saves per game (8^th)
• 8.22 fouls per game (2^nd) | 5.33 corner kicks per game (6^th)

 
Scouting UT Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas Comets come into this game holding a 6-1-2 record with an 0-0-1 mark in LSC play. UT Dallas tied Oklahoma Christian 0-0 in their conference opener. The Comets have also played Texas A&M International and Sul Ross State in non-conference matches, both of which were wins. UTD is coming off a 2025 season where they went 11-5-2 with a 7-2-1 mark in LSC play as they finished second in the conference. The Comets were ineligible for the postseason with it being their first year in the LSC. UT Dallas came into this season projected to finish third in the LSC Preseason Poll.
 
The offseason saw UTD lose one of their All-Conference selections in Ryan Anderson who made Third Team All-LSC. Anderson was second on the team in minutes with 1467 and scored eight points from two goals and four assists.
 
2026 offers a plethora of returners for UT Dallas including Callum Thompson, Jordan Jones, Avery Brazzell, Ryder Claborn, and Evan Pustejovsky who all were an All-LSC Honoree. Thompson was a First Team and All-Freshman selection after leading the team in minutes with 1561 and producing two goals and four assists.  Jones was a Second Team selection as well as an All-Freshman honoree after tallying eight points from three goals and two assists. Brazzell led the team in scoring with 12 points from five goals and two assists as he was named to the Third Team. Claborn started 14 games in goal and tallied 43 saves on a 79.6 percentage to go with a 0.79 goals allowed average. Pustejovsky finished second on the team in scoring with 11 points from four goals and three assists.
 
Through nine games, Brazzell is already up to 11 points from five goals and an assist to lead the team. Osi Iyamah is right behind with nine points from four goals and an assist. Claborn has started every game in goal and mad e19 saves with a 0.93 goals allowed average.
 
Head Coach Jason Hirsch enters his 14th season with UT Dallas in 2026. Hirsch has tallied a 159-53-40 record in his tenure while guiding the Comets to five NCAA Tournament appearances at the Division III level.  
 
UT Dallas Statistical Leaders (Amount)

• Points- Avery Brazzell (11)
• Goals- Avery Brazzell (5)
• Assists- Jordan Jones (4)
• Game-Winning Goals- Julio De Los Reyes, Callum Thompson, Osi Iyamah, Ossian Elgstrom, Owen Lagerwey, & Seb Martinez (1)
• Shots on Goal- Parker Bowman (10)
• Shots- Osi Iyamah (17)
• Minutes by a Field Player- Callum Thompson (803)
• 90 Minute Games by a Field Player- Callum Thompson (8)
• Saves- Ryder Claborn (19)
• Save Percentage- Ryder Claborn (70.4%)
• Goals Allowed Average- Ryder Claborn (0.93)
• Goalkeeper Wins- Ryder Claborn (5)
• Shutouts- Ryder Claborn (3) 

UT Dallas Team Statistics (LSC Ranking)

• 14.22 shots per game (3^rd) | 7.56 shots on goal per game (7^th)
• 6.22 points per game (3^rd) | 2.11 goals per game (3^rd) | 2.0 assists per game (3^rd)
• 0.89 goals allowed per game (3^rd) | 2.22 saves per game (11^th)
• 12.44 fouls per game (10^th) | 5.56 corner kicks per game (5^th)

 
UT Dallas will take on DBU on Wednesday before facing the Buffs on Saturday.
 
For all the latest on West Texas A&M Men's Soccer, stay tuned to gobuffsgo.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.