November 24, 2025
Waxahachie, Texas — After an unforgettable postseason surge and a statement run through the NCCAA Central Region Tournament, the Nelson University Lions are officially headed to Kissimmee, Florida for the 2025 NCCAA Division I Men's Soccer National Championship, held December 1–6 at the Austin-Tindall Sports Complex.
For the first time since joining the NCCAA, Nelson enters the national stage as the Central Region Champion and a program firmly trending upward behind belief and gritty postseason performances.
The Lions were placed in Pool C, one of the toughest and most balanced groups in the tournament:
POOL C
All three sides enter with postseason momentum, disciplined defensive structures, and goal-scorers capable of stealing matches in tight moments. Nelson will need the same composure and resilience that carried them through Wayland Baptist and MACU.
POOL PLAY SCHEDULE (Austin-Tindall Sports Complex)
Tuesday, Dec. 2 – 7:30 PM
Nelson (#4) vs Columbia International (#7)
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – 7:30 PM
Judson vs Nelson
(Determines Pool C winner)
Pool winners automatically advance to the semifinals. The final spot goes to the Wild Card — the team with the highest point total among the remaining teams across all pools.
Scoring System:
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Win = 3 points
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Tie = 1 point
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Loss = 0 points
With every minute and every touch carrying weight, Nelson enters knowing each result could shift the entire bracket.
If Nelson advances, teams will be reseeded 1–4 based on pool performance:
Semifinals – Friday, Dec. 5
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Semi 1: 3:30 PM
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Semi 2: 6:00 PM
National Championship – Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM
The Lions have proven they thrive when the stakes rise. Their golden-goal grit, shootout poise, and never-bend defensive effort translate perfectly into championship-week soccer.
As part of the NCCAA Christian Service Project, all teams including Nelson will serve at-risk youth, inmates, and the homeless through Living Hope International.
Each student-athlete is asked to bring a toy, and each program will donate:
The Lions head to Florida with purpose on and off the pitch.
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.
