October 29, 2025
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lions rose to the occasion in a high-stakes clash against Central Christian College (Kan.) on Tuesday, October 29, at the Lions Athletic Complex. With the final spot in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament on the line, the Lions displayed determination, edging out Central Christian in a thrilling 1-0 battle.
Lions Review
The tension was insane from the opening whistle as both teams fought for control and a chance to extend their season. The Lions knew what was at stake and responded with a focused and disciplined performance, showing their defensive strength and patience. In a game where every pass and possession carried weight, it was Nelson's Jafet Ramirez who stepped up in a critical moment.
At the 23:38 mark, Ramirez found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and giving the Lions a vital lead. Assisted by John Garcia, Ramirez's goal came from a quick and well-timed combination play that caught Central Christian's defense off guard. The Lions' fans erupted, sensing the magnitude of the moment as their team took a decisive step toward securing a postseason berth.
As the game progressed, the Lions remained steadfast, keeping Central Christian's offense at bay. Goalkeeper Leonel Cuellar was a wall in front of the net, recording five crucial saves throughout the 90 minutes. His composure and reflexes kept the visitors scoreless, and each save brought the Lions one step closer to victory. Cuellar's leadership from the back inspired confidence in Nelson's defensive line, who worked tirelessly to maintain the clean sheet.
Central Christian applied pressure late in the game, desperately searching for an equalizer. But Nelson's defense, led by standout performances from defenders like Javuagh Hines and Dillon Cecil Du Toit, was unbreakable. The Lions' backline disrupted Central Christian's rhythm, intercepting passes and clearing dangerous balls with precision.
The final whistle brought relief and celebration as the Lions clinched a spot in the SAC tournament with their 1-0 victory.
Next Up?
The Lions now face a formidable challenge as they prepare to travel to take on No. 1 seed John Brown University in the opening round of the SAC Tournament. The Nelson University's Lions will look to embrace the underdog role and aim for an upset against the top-seeded team.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
