HAMBURG, N.Y. — Houghton University men's soccer opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Tuesday afternoon, earning a 5-0 victory over Hilbert College at Hawk Field.
The Highlanders (1-0) controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting the Hawks 37-1 and holding a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks. Houghton put 18 of its 37 shots on target, while Hilbert managed just one shot for the afternoon.
Houghton struck early when James Fay found the back of the net in the sixth minute. Fay's goal came after Samuel Edwards put a shot on target, giving the Highlanders a 1-0 advantage at 5:22.
The Highlanders continued to pressure the Hilbert defense throughout the opening half before Adrian Rodriguez doubled the lead with just under three minutes remaining before halftime. Rodriguez finished a chance assisted by Brayden Chase in the 43rd minute, sending Houghton into the break with a 2-0 advantage.
Houghton added three more goals in the second half.
John Fay extended the lead to 3-0 in the 55th minute, converting with an assist from David Jatta. Less than four minutes later, Eben Schilke found the net off a John Fay assist to make it 4-0.
Abram Reynolds capped the scoring in the 75th minute, scoring Houghton's fifth goal of the afternoon with an assist from Ethan Cruz.
John Fay led the Highlanders offensively with a team-high five shots, including three on goal, while contributing a goal and an assist. James Fay added three shots with one on target and a goal, while Schilke recorded three shots, one on target and a goal. Rodriguez and Reynolds each scored once, with Rodriguez registering three shots and two on target and Reynolds totaling four shots and two on target.
Chase also made an impact off the bench, recording three shots, two on target and an assist. Cruz contributed an assist while also firing four shots.
Houghton's defensive effort was equally impressive. Joshua Smith and Stephen McLamb split the match in goal, with each playing 45 minutes as the Highlanders posted the shutout. Neither goalkeeper was required to make a save as Houghton limited Hilbert to a single shot, which missed the target.
The Highlanders finished the afternoon with 37 shots, 18 shots on goal and 10 corner kicks while committing just seven fouls.
Houghton returns to action when they host St. Vincent on Friday at 5 p.m. at Burke Field.
