Men’s Soccer putting unbeaten record on the line vs. No. 25 LSUS, A&M-Texarkana

A couple of new faces have provided a spark to the UHV Men's Soccer team this season.

Dario Elsen has burst onto the scene as a threat up front for the Jaguars (3-0-2, 1-0-1), scoring five goals in the last three games including four in the last two. The freshman midfielder from Weywertz, Belgium, was named the Red River Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week this week after his four goals and one assist helped the Jaguars maintain their unbeaten start with a 3-1 win at Texas College and 2-2 draw at Jarvis Christian.

Baillie O'Reilly has embraced his role as the conductor for UHV's offense in his midfield position. The junior from Burbage, England, has contributed to the Jaguars' offense in each of their five games with three goals and four assists.

"Both are just full of confidence right now," said head coach Adrian Rigby. "Dario getting Player of the Week, I think that's well-deserved. With Baillie, the outside flanks are doing really well. They're both just full of confidence right now which is great for us."

Because of that, the Jaguars are unbeaten through five matches for the third time in school history. The two previous times – in 2019 and 2021 spring season during COVID – UHV would go on to win the RRAC regular season titles.

The Jaguars will put their unbeaten mark on the line with two home conference bouts this week, first against No. 25-ranked LSU Shreveport (3-2-2, 2-0) on Thursday, then against Texas A&M-Texarkana (3-3-1, 1-1) on Saturday.

The Pilots were selected as the preseason favorite to win the RRAC regular season title after winning the two previous regular season crowns.

After last week's results on the road, UHV feels its up to the challenge the Pilots and Eagles will bring.

"The last two games have really proved we're a family and a team," said junior defender Nathan Bautista. "We're looking forward to the challenge with LSUS and hopefully a chance to prove ourselves more. I think our team has everything we need to push for the conference title, we just have to prove it."

Thursday's tilt with the Pilots is sure to be an entertaining one if history is an indication between the competitive conference rivals.

UHV holds an 6-2-2 edge in the all-time series with LSUS with nine of the 10 matches being decided by one goal or finishing in a draw. Last year's meeting in Shreveport saw the Pilots grab a 2-1 win.

"That's why we're here, right? These kinds of games," Elsen said. "I'm really excited to play against them for the first time and on our home pitch at The Cage. I think we'll need the support of the fans, as well. We're really looking forward to this game."

UHV holds a 7-0 mark all-time against A&M-Texarkana.

Saturday's game against the Eagles is also UHV's Youth Soccer Appreciation Weekend. Kids 12 and under wearing their youth soccer jersey get in free.