Kissimmee, Florida | December 4, 2025 — Under the humid Florida dusk and the bright playoff lights of Austin-Tindall Sports Complex, the Nelson University Lions walked into Friday night with belief, momentum, and a roster full of warriors who had shocked the tournament just 24 hours earlier. After storming past defending national champion Judson University in a statement 3–1 quarterfinal win, the Lions returned to the pitch to face a physical, disciplined Campbellsville side in the NCCAA National Championship Semifinal.
What followed was 90 minutes of emotion, body-on-the-line defending, and moments of brilliance ultimately ending in a narrow 2–1 defeat that closed the curtain on one of the
Nelson struck first because of course they did.
This team never bowed. Not once.
In the 38th minute, sparkplug Jonathan Ledesma delivered a composed, clinical finish inside the box, burying a chance created by the hustle and precision of Tyler Peloquin, who slipped a perfect assist across the traffic.
Through the opening 45 minutes, Nelson matched Campbellsville stride for stride, winning 53% possession, generating seven shots, and absorbing the Tigers' early pressure with veteran poise. The back line of Javaughn Hines, Alex Castro, Pascoal Manuel, and David Ospina held strong, while Amir Raime made a crucial first-half stop to preserve the advantage.
The second half became a heavyweight bout.
Campbellsville came out swinging, upping their speed of play and unleashing 15 shots in the final 45 minutes. Nelson defended with heart as Omolemo Matla, Edwin Mbaka, and Teddy Nkamanyi all created dangerous moments in transition while Raime and the Nelson back line continued to withstand wave after wave.
The Tigers finally equalized in the 70th minute, when Mihlali Blesi converted off a well-placed assist from Nicolo Lanari to knot the match at 1–1. Six minutes later, Campbellsville found the go-ahead goal as Malte Ekman punched in the decisive strike from the top of the box.
Even down 2–1, even as bodies tired and legs tightened following Thursday's emotional win, the Lions pushed. They earned chances late, including shots from Nkamanyi, Mbaka, and Matla, forcing Campbellsville's keeper to make multiple pressure saves to preserve the lead.
An 82nd-minute red card to Campbellsville gave Nelson a final surge of momentum, but the Tigers bunkered in, closing out the match in the final minutes despite the Lions' relentless push.
With the 2–1 scoreline, Nelson's tournament run came to an end but the story of this team is about far more than a semifinal result.
It's about a group that started the year searching for rhythm and identity…
A group that learned how to fight through adversity…
A group that peaked in December when it mattered most…
And a group that shocked the nation by knocking off the defending champions and finishing among the final four teams in America.
The Lions finished 10–9–4, marking one of the most resilient and memorable seasons in recent program history.
Next Up
After a marvelous season and a postseason run that won't soon be forgotten, Nelson University now shifts its focus to the offseason; returning talent, player development, recruiting, and building toward an even deeper championship push in 2026.
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.
