September 22, 2024
Irving, TX - It was a victorious night for Nelson University soccer as both the men's and women's teams triumphed over the University of Dallas in an electrifying pair of non-conference matches. The Lady Lions held off a fierce challenge to win 3-2, while the Lions commanded the field with a 3-1 victory, continuing their unbeaten start to the season.
Lions Review
The Nelson University Lions (5-0-4) showcased their attacking prowess early, with Pedro Mattoso opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Assisted by Wenceslau Coimbra and Teddy Nkamanyi, Mattoso powered the Lions ahead, setting the tone for what would be a physical and intense battle.
Just six minutes later, Nkamanyi found the net himself, doubling the Lions' lead with a brilliant solo goal. Dallas struggled to respond, managing only a single shot in the first half, as Nelson's backline, anchored by goalkeeper Leonel Cuellar, remained impenetrable.
As the match entered the second half, Dillon De Toit sealed the victory for the Lions with a clinical finish in the 71st minute, extending the lead to 3-0. Dallas managed to pull one back late, courtesy of a penalty kick from Ryan Martinez in the 86th minute, but it was too little, too late for the home side.
The Lions dominated in both possession and shots, taking 18 total shots (nine on target) compared to Dallas' seven, while Cuellar recorded four saves to protect the victory. The defense's discipline, led by standout performances from Javaughn Hines and Ramon Diaz, ensured the Lions stayed in control throughout.
Lady Lions Review
In a thrilling women's match, the Nelson University Lady Lions (5-3-0) secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the University of Dallas, thanks to a late goal from Jade Reyes. The Lady Lions came out firing, with Catherine Jesionek striking first in the 22nd minute, followed quickly by a goal from Anna Bewley in the 25th minute. Both goals were brilliantly assisted by Reyes, who dominated in the midfield.
Dallas responded with a goal from Haley Cline in the 34th minute, cutting the Lady Lions' lead to 2-1. The tension only increased in the second half, as both teams traded chances, but it was Reyes again who broke through in the 57th minute, netting what would become the game-winning goal.
Dallas refused to go down without a fight, as Semya Chancellor made it 3-2 with an 83rd-minute goal, putting Nelson University under immense pressure in the final moments. Goalkeeper Tanner Sorenson's heroics, including four crucial saves, ensured the Lady Lions held on for the win.
The Lady Lions fired off 14 total shots, eight of which were on target, while Dallas managed 10 shots and six on target. The midfield performances of Alejandra Ruiz and Stephanie Hernandez were vital in maintaining possession and creating chances throughout the match.
What's Next?
The Lions will face their toughest test yet as they travel to Chickasha, OK, to take on the University of Science and Arts on September 28th at 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Lady Lions are set for a showdown in Austin, TX, where they will clash with Concordia University Texas on September 24th at 7:00 PM.
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.
