Oklahoma City, OK | Nov 21, 2025 — In a postseason showdown packed with emotion, grit, and signature Nelson University resilience, the Lions delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, edging top-seeded Mid-America Christian 3–2 in the NCCAA Central Region Championship battle. The victory propels Nelson forward in their postseason march, continuing what has become a remarkable November surge.

Nelson entered Friday's match riding the momentum of a dramatic semifinal advancement over Wayland Baptist, where the Lions battled to a 1–1 draw through regulation and overtime before securing the result in a tense penalty-kick shootout. WBU seized an early 2–1 edge through the opening four penalties, but everything flipped when the Pioneers missed three straight attempts. Joao Delgado buried the equalizer, and senior Ricardo Lozano stepped up with the decisive conversion, giving Nelson the 3–2 shootout triumph and punching their ticket to today's championship stage. 

From the opening whistle, Nelson brought energy and urgency, winning duels, pressing high, and setting the tone. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when striker Garey Mills who played one of his finest matches of the season slotted home the opening goal off a sharp assist from midfielder Isaiah Moreno. 

MACU responded moments later via a penalty, leveling the match at 1–1 going into halftime, but the Lions never blinked.

As the second half unfolded, the Lions found another gear.

Just 12 minutes into the period, Mills struck again, burying his second goal of the contest after combination play from Yael Sandoval and goalkeeper Amir Raime, who delivered the initial setup from the back line. 

Only minutes later, Sandoval added his own moment of brilliance, finishing a decisive chance in the 53rd minute to extend Nelson's lead to 3–1. The forward from Athens, Texas continues to shine in postseason play, delivering energy and production in timely fashion. 

MACU pulled one back via an own goal in the 67th minute, but Nelson's character took over from there.

Senior captain Javaughn Hines anchored a back line that absorbed wave after wave of pressure. Center back Pascoal Manuel, who logged all 90 minutes, was a stabilizing force. Midfielders Edwin Mbaka and Angel Cruz covered ground and disrupted MACU's build-up.

Most importantly, goalkeeper Amir Raime delivered on the biggest stage. Raime finished with six saves, including multiple highlight stops in the final 20 minutes as MACU pushed numbers forward. His distribution also sparked the build-up to Nelson's second goal. 

With the season hanging in the balance, Garey Mills played like a star. Two goals. Relentless pressure. Composure in front of goal. Leadership in big moments. Friday's performance adds another chapter to the Jamaican striker's growing postseason reputation. 

Next Up
The Lions continue their postseason march with eyes firmly set on extending their NCCAA tournament run. With confidence surging and momentum on their side, Nelson heads into the next round battle-tested and hungry for more.

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-NELSON.