SEARCY, Ark. — Delta State University men's soccer program opened the 2026 season in strong fashion Thursday night, earning a 1-0 shutout victory over Harding at the Stevens Soccer Complex.
The Statesmen (1-0-0) broke through early in the second half when
Tazjean Bird delivered the match's lone goal in the 52nd minute. Bird finished a well-placed cross from
Micah Soper, tapping it in from close range to give him his first career goal and give Delta State a lead it would not relinquish.
Delta State controlled much of the attacking play throughout the match, out shooting Harding 13-10 and placing eight shots on goal. The Statesmen were particularly aggressive in the second half, recording eight shots after the break.
In goal,
Daniel Santema turned in a clean performance, making four saves across 90 minutes to secure the shutout and earn his first win of the season. The shutout is the third of Santema's career
Harding (0-1-0) was kept off the scoreboard despite several second-half opportunities, including multiple shots on frame that were handled by Santema and the Statesmen defense.
Both teams finished evenly in corner kicks (6-6), while Delta State held a slight edge in possession at 51 percent.
The victory marks a strong start for the Statesmen as they begin the 2026 campaign on the road.
Up Next Delta State will continue its early-season schedule this weekend as they look to build on their opening-night momentum with another trip to the natural state to take on Central Baptist College Saturday afternoon at 6:00 p.m.
