November 7, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK – In a tightly contested match under the lights at Dill Soccer Field, the No. 8 seed Nelson University Lions put forth a valiant effort against the No. 1 seed Mid-America Christian University (MACU) in the opening round of the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament. Despite their resilience and tough defensive effort, the Lions fell short, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The intensity was notable from the opening whistle, as both teams sought to seize control early. The Lions' defensive line, anchored by standout performances from defenders Alex Castro and Javaughn Hines, proved difficult to break. However, MACU managed to break through in the 28th minute when Federico Palacios delivered a precise assist to Josh Macklin, who capitalized with the match's only goal. This crucial strike put MACU ahead 1-0, a lead they would tenaciously defend for the remainder of the game.
The Lions, known for their competitive spirit, responded with immediate offensive pressure. Midfielders Jan Zapata and Pedro Mattoso spearheaded Nelson's attempts to draw level, each registering a shot on goal. Despite these efforts, MACU's defense held strong, ensuring the Lions entered halftime trailing by one goal.
Nelson University intensified their pursuit for an equalizer in the second half, demonstrating strategic shifts and substitutions. CoachCesar España's adjustments saw forwards like Guilherme Ravaneda and Felipe Martinez add fresh energy to the attacking front. Ravaneda made a notable impact, leading the Lions' second-half offensive surge with two shots, one on target, that kept the MACU goalkeeper vigilant.
Goalkeeper Leonel Cuellar showcased his reliability between the posts, recording three critical saves to prevent MACU from extending their lead.
Despite pressing MACU with seven total shots—two on target—the Lions could not find the back of the net. MACU's defense remained resolute, securing their 13th win of the season and advancing in the SAC Tournament.
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.
