For the first time in more than three years, Creighton men’s soccer is back in the national rankings.
The Bluejays checked in at No. 23 in Tuesday’s United Soccer Coaches poll, marking the program’s first national ranking since Aug. 8, 2023. The recognition comes after a 3-0-1 start to the 2026 season, including a nine-goal weekend with wins over San Francisco and Tulsa.
Creighton’s latest two victories came in very different ways, however. Against San Francisco on Aug. 27, the Bluejays had to fight for its 4-2 victory. Four days later at Tulsa, Creighton controlled the match from start to finish in a 5-0 shutout.
“We knew we were going to get a fiery bunch, a very good soccer playing team, very physical, defending on the front foot, committed to trying to win the ball back in a hurry to get forward,” head coach Johnny Torres said following the match against San Francisco. “I’m proud of our guys for being calm under pressure, for continuing to be brave under adversity.”
The Bluejays wasted little time getting on the board against San Francisco, as senior midfielder Matthew Reed found the back of the net for the first time this season a minute and 48 seconds into the match. The goal came after junior defender Brian Edelman won the ball and carried it forward before sending a cross toward the back post.
“I feel like it was pretty hectic the first minute,” Reed said, “and then Brian stepped and won the ball, kept his run going, crossed it, and luckily got through for a tap.”
San Francisco answered in the 26th minute, taking control of possession for much of the remaining time before the match appeared to swing back Creighton’s way just before halftime when sophomore midfielder Aaron Deppe lofted a ball past the San Francisco goalkeeper. The goal was ruled however to cross the line after time expired. There was no review.
Despite the confusion heading into the locker room, Creighton did not let it affect them, retaking the lead just 30 seconds into the second half. Freshman forward Jordan Igwenma found sophomore forward Ayden Kokoszka inside the box, who finished to put the Bluejays ahead 2-1.
San Francisco tied the match again in the 57th minute, but the turning point came three minutes later when San Francisco’s David Raphael received his second yellow card of the match, leaving the Dons with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
Creighton took advantage of the situation, applying continuous pressure on San Francisco’s defense and creating chances before finally breaking through in the 80th minute. Junior midfielder Brady Bragg and freshman midfielder Carter Derksen combined to find Igwenma, who put the Bluejays back in front. Junior Angel Lopez added an insurance goal in the 85th minute to seal the 4-2 victory and cap an undefeated three-game start at Morrison Stadium.
“It’s in our DNA to make sure that we answer the call,” Torres said. “I wouldn’t say it was defeating that they were able to turn around and make it two in quick succession. That is the beauty of our sport, right? You get to decide if you’re going to answer that call or not, and we did that two times, so really proud of the guys being able to protect their home.”
Four days later, Creighton traveled to Tulsa for its first true road test of the season. If Thursday’s win showed the Bluejays’ ability to withstand adversity, Monday’s performance showed what the team can look like when everything clicks.
From the opening whistle, Creighton was in control. Reed scored in the eighth minute for the second consecutive match before senior forward Edward Morales doubled the lead just five minutes later. It was a goal nearly two years in the making for Morales, and fittingly, it came against the same opponent he last scored against.
Fifth-year transfer Allan Juarez added a third goal in the 43rd minute, giving the Bluejays a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Creighton continued its control in the second half, with Reed converting a penalty kick in the 76th minute for his second goal of the night. Freshman forward Carter Tavares capped the scoring in the 86th minute, recording his third goal in his first four collegiate matches while adding two assists.
For Reed, the road victory was another important step for a team that struggled to find wins away from Morrison Stadium a season ago.
“We talked about before the game that last year it took us until the end of September to get our first road win,” Reed said. “Starting in late August with our first, it adds a little confidence to the group.”
That confidence has now carried Creighton back into the national conversation. The Bluejays have scored 16 goals through their first four matches, tied for the most in the nation with Michigan State, with six different players recording multiple goals. Creighton’s 3-0-1 record includes a 6-2 win over Florida International, a 1-1 draw against Drake and the two victories over San Francisco and Tulsa.
After opening the season unranked, the Bluejays now sit at No. 23 nationally, tied with Princeton.
With a young roster already making an impact, Reed said the depth of the group has helped the team find its rhythm early.
“It lifts a lot of weight off our shoulders,” Reed said. “When we have a group of young guys that can come in and still impact, as well as the starting group, it makes our job so much easier.”
Now, the Bluejays return home looking to keep the momentum going. Creighton hosts Gonzaga at 7:45 p.m. Friday night at Morrison Stadium as part of the 14th annual Socctoberfest celebration. The match also marks the opening of the Jesuit Cup Invitational, with Creighton, Gonzaga, Loyola and Santa Clara competing throughout the weekend and Monday. The Bluejays will face Santa Clara at 5:30 p.m. Monday to close the invitational.