October 1, 2024

Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lions maintained their competitive spirit as they battled the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies to a 1-1 draw in a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown at the Lions Athletic Complex. In a tense match under the evening lights.

Lions Review
The match began with both teams testing each other's defenses, but it was Oklahoma Panhandle State that struck first. Luis Bardales found the back of the net at the 22:40 mark, giving the Aggies a slim advantage as the Lions momentarily faltered. However, Nelson responded with determination, and it didn't take long for them to equalize. At the 29:14 mark, Omolemo Thebe Matla capitalized on an assist from Wenceslau Coimbra, powering a shot past the Aggies' goalkeeper to tie the match 1-1. Matla's strike reignited the Lions' momentum and set the stage for a gripping contest.

The first half was a tightly contested affair with both teams demonstrating solid defense, but the Lions held the edge with more shots on goal (5) compared to the Aggies' 4. Leonel Cuellar, Nelson's dependable goalkeeper, was key in keeping the Lions alive with several critical saves, including a late attempt in the first half by Bardales that could have doubled the Aggies' lead. 

The second half saw a shift in tactics, with Nelson pressing higher up the pitch to break down the Aggies' defense. Pedro Figueiredo Mattoso and Ethan Stewart each threatened the OPSU backline, but neither could find the finishing touch despite their best efforts. Figueiredo Mattoso led the team with three shots, one of them on target. 

Despite the Lions dominating possession and creating multiple chances, they couldn't breach the Aggies' defense for a second time. Cuellar remained steadfast between the posts, adding one more save to his tally and ensuring Nelson walked away with a hard-fought point. Oklahoma Panhandle State, meanwhile, relied on their defensive shape to stifle the Lions' attack, and their goalkeeper finished with three saves, matching Cuellar's performance.

The Lions showed discipline, though the second half featured its share of cautions, including yellow cards for Jan Zapata and Nathanael Zozaya in the final stages of the match. Oklahoma, meanwhile, saw three yellow cards in what became a more physical contest.

Team Statistics
Nelson led the offensive effort, tallying 11 shots (4 on goal) compared to the Aggies' 5 (2 on goal). Both teams recorded three corner kicks and played an aggressive defensive game, with Nelson committing six fouls to Oklahoma's five.

Head Coach Cesar España's Perspective
After the match, Head Coach Cesar España acknowledged the team's efforts but emphasized the need for sharper execution in the final third. "We created plenty of chances tonight and had opportunities to win the game, but we'll go back to training and focus on finishing. I'm proud of how the boys fought."