DALLAS — Stetson men's soccer opened the 2026 season Thursday night with a 3-1 loss to No. 15 SMU at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.
The Hatters faced an immediate test against the defending ACC champions, with freshman goalkeeper Murillo Mello earning the start in his collegiate debut. Mello played the opening 45 minutes before Matthew McCall took over between the posts for the second half.
SMU built a three-goal advantage, but Stetson continued to push forward and broke through in the closing seconds.
Mauricio Restrepo put the Hatters on the board at the 89:27 mark, finishing low to the left for Stetson's first goal of the 2026 season. The strike came on Restrepo's lone attempt of the night and marked the second goal of his collegiate career.
Stetson finished with seven shots, including two on goal. Andre Casas registered the Hatters' other attempt on target, while Maurice Hauser and Ibrahima Keita each recorded two shots.
The season opener also featured several Stetson debuts, including Mello, Jaxson Lee and William Mills in the starting XI, while multiple newcomers saw action off the bench.
Stetson moves to 0-1-0 on the season, while No. 15 SMU improves to 1-0-0.
Stetson will remain in Texas for the second leg of its season-opening road trip, traveling to Edinburg to face UTRGV on Sunday, Aug. 23. Kickoff from the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET, with the match streaming live on ESPN+.
For the latest news and updates on Stetson men's soccer, visit GoHatters.com and follow @StetsonMSoc and @StetsonHatters on social media for additional content throughout the 2026 season.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
