ALPINE, Texas – Wayland Baptist opened its 2026 men's soccer season with a strong test against NCAA Division II opponent Sul Ross State University, battling the Lobos to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at Lobo Field.

The match marked the Pioneers' first official competition of the season, and Wayland showed plenty of promise against the Division II Lobos, controlling much of the possession in the opening half and creating several quality scoring opportunities.

Wayland finished the match with nine shots, including five on goal, while Sul Ross State recorded 14 shots with five on target. Pioneers goalkeeper Benjamin Goddard came up with four saves, matching the four saves recorded by Sul Ross State goalkeeper Fernando Hernandez. Wayland also held a 52% to 48% advantage in possession.

After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers broke through just 1:19 into the second period.

Renato Katrip put Wayland on the board at the 46:19 mark, scoring his first goal of the season off an assist from Evan Schumacher. Katrip's goal gave the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage and came after Wayland had registered seven shots in the opening 45 minutes.

Sul Ross State answered in the 73rd minute when Cameron Rothgeb converted a penalty kick to even the match at 1-1.

Neither team could find the game-winner during the final 17 minutes. Goddard made two additional saves late in the match, including stops on shots by Pierce Walsh in the 76th and 89th minutes, while Matus Nemec forced a save from Hernandez with a shot in the 87th minute.

Wayland's defense helped keep the Lobos off the scoreboard for much of the contest, despite Sul Ross State producing 10 shots in the second half and five corner kicks overall. The Pioneers finished with one corner kick and were called for 11 fouls compared to seven by the Lobos.

Katrip led the Pioneers with two shots, both on target, while Maximiliano Campos and Nemec each recorded two shots. Schumacher added two shots and an assist, and Ariel Vallejo had one shot on goal.

Goddard played all 90 minutes in goal for Wayland, making four saves in his first appearance of the season.

The draw gives the Pioneers a 0-0-1 record to begin the 2026 season. The Pioneers will return to action Thursday, Aug. 27, when they travel to Concordia University (TX) in Austin.