Oct 10, 2026 12:00 PM
No. 1 SMU men's soccer puts its unbeaten record on the line against Duke as the Mustangs chase another ACC victory behind one of the nation's toughest defenses.
DALLAS - The SMU Mustangs aren't just winning soccer matches. They're making a convincing case that they're among the nation's legitimate national championship contenders.
Top-ranked SMU men's soccer returns to Washburne Stadium Saturday night to face Duke, looking to extend an unbeaten start that has made the Mustangs one of college soccer's biggest stories.
SMU enters the Atlantic Coast Conference matchup at 9-0-1 overall and 4-0 in league play. Duke arrives at 5-7 and remains winless in four ACC matches.
For head coach Kevin Hudson, protecting the nation's No. 1 ranking starts with a defense that has been almost impossible to crack.
A Defense Built For Championships
Goalkeeper Jonathan Evans has recorded seven shutouts through 10 matches, while defender Noah Holmstrøm has helped anchor a back line allowing just 0.30 goals per game.
That defensive dominance was evident in last Friday's 2-0 road victory over Wake Forest.
Evans and Holmstrøm were recently named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List alongside teammate Jaylinn Mitchell.
SMU placed three players among the nation's 29 candidates, more than any other program.
But the Mustangs have plenty of offensive firepower, too.
Forward Stephan Soghomonian has scored six goals, while Mitchell has contributed two goals and six assists from his wingback position.
Mitchell, a first-round selection by Minnesota United in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, returned for his senior season with ambitions extending beyond the soccer field.
"I'm the oldest of four siblings, so I just want to show them that you can do it and go to college," Mitchell said.
The senior hopes to become his family's first college graduate in December.
Duke Looking To Spoil SMU's Perfect Conference Start
Although Duke has struggled in ACC competition, the Blue Devils enter Saturday following a 3-0 victory over Wofford.
SMU holds a 5-2-2 advantage in the all-time series, including a 2-2 draw in Durham during their most recent meeting in 2024.
The Mustangs reached No. 1 nationally September 29 for the first time since 2006 and maintained that ranking this week.
With conference positioning and national championship aspirations at stake, SMU has little reason to overlook a struggling opponent.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT Saturday at Washburne Stadium, with coverage on ACC Network Extra.
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