By: Jacob Lesley
OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha men’s soccer team has opened the 2026 season with a strong start, surpassing its entire 2025 goal total through its first nine games.
The Mavericks have scored 23 goals this season, already exceeding the 17 they recorded last year. Omaha also has four clean sheets from goalkeeper Kamy Ndione, showing improvement on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Donovan Dowling said the team’s balance has been a key to its success.
“We’ve been a pretty balanced team, not just in the attack, but we’ve been pretty good defensively,” Dowling said. “We score in different ways.”
The Mavericks entered the season after graduating Theo Klein, the program’s all-time leading scorer. Despite losing a major offensive contributor, Omaha has continued to produce goals from different players.
Senior midfielder and Omaha native Brett Perkins has also provided leadership for the Mavericks. Perkins said his focus has been helping teammates stay connected and making sure players are handling the demands of the season.
“Just taking it day-by-day, and making sure every guys alright and taken care of,” Perkins said.
Omaha opened Summit League play Saturday night with a 3-3 draw against Delaware. The Mavericks were scoreless through the first 30 minutes before forward Italo Jenkins scored to give Omaha the first breakthrough.
After Delaware responded with two late goals to take a 3-2 lead, Perkins then scored the equalizer, allowing the Mavericks to earn a point in their conference opener.
The result continued a season in which different players have contributed on different nights.
The Mavericks will host Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. before returning to Summit League competition against Massachusetts on Oct. 10.
With conference play underway, Omaha will look to maintain its early-season momentum and continue building on the progress shown through its first ten games.
