The 2026 season and home opener for the Ashland University men's soccer team resulted in a 3-1 loss to Davis & Elkins at Ferguson Field on Thursday (Aug. 27) afternoon.
 
After nearly a completely uneventful first half, typical of a season-opener, the Senators broke the scoreless tie in the 34^th minute when Johan Magana potted a wide-open goal in front of the Eagle net. The assist from left to right came from Francisco Lopez Kreik.
 
In the 50^th minute, Davis & Elkins moved to a 2-0 lead following an Ashland own goal.
 
The Eagles cut their deficit in half in the 55^th minute, as a flick from sophomore forward Tom Woodward led junior midfielder Lewis Hill to a 1-on-1 goal against the Senators' goalkeeper.
 
A corner kick resulted in a set-piece tally for Davis & Elkins in the 67th minute, as Benjamin Luengo scored from Hugo Fauli to restore the Senators' two-goal advantage.

Davis & Elkins had an 11-9 shots advantage, while Ashland doubled up on corner kicks, 10-5.
 
Thursday's contest marked the third consecutive year in a which the Eagles have opened a campaign with the Senators.
 
The Eagles' first road action of 2026 will be on Sunday (Aug. 30) at 1 p.m. at Millersville.