Houston Christian University Head Coach Ryan Pratt has announced two new signings for the 2026 men's soccer recruiting class: transfer Henrik Sakshaug and freshman Charlie Smith. Sakshaug, a 5'11" midfielder from San Antonio, previously played at the University of Maryland and was part of the San Antonio FC academy that won a USL championship. Charlie Smith, a 6'2" goalkeeper from Hertfordshire, England, has extensive high school experience, recently excelling with the ISFA National Team. These additions bring the recruiting class to a total of 10 players, positioning HCU for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • HCU's men's soccer team finished the season with an 11-5-3 record.
  • Sakshaug is the seventh transfer to join the team, while Smith is the third freshman added to the class.
State of Play
  • HCU is coming off its most successful season since 1990, recording the most wins in a single season since then.
  • Coach Pratt continues to build a competitive roster with a mix of transfers and high school talent.
What's Next

With these signings, HCU is strengthening its lineup in anticipation of the upcoming season, aiming to build on last year's success and compete effectively in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Bottom Line

The additions of Sakshaug and Smith highlight HCU's commitment to enhancing its men's soccer program, positioning the team for continued improvement in performance and competitiveness.