August 21, 2025
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lions Men's Soccer team is set to open the 2025 campaign under the lights at the Lions Athletic Complex on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8:00 PM, hosting Arlington Baptist University in the season opener.
The Lions enter the new year with momentum after a rock solid 2024 season in which they finished with a .500 record for the first time since 2015. Nelson also advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament and defended its home field with pride, dropping only two matches all year at the Lions Athletic Complex.
Off the field, the Lions also raised the bar in the classroom. Five players posted a perfect 4.0 GPA, 24 student-athletes earned a 3.5 GPA or higher, and 10 players recorded a 3.0 or better. Collectively, Nelson men's soccer maintained its standard of academic and athletic excellence. Statistically, the Lions showed their competitiveness by outshooting their opponents across the season, tallying 224 shots compared to 197 allowed.
Looking ahead, Nelson was selected eighth in the 2025 SAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll and will look to surprise opponents with a balanced mix of proven returners and explosive newcomers.
Key Returners
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Teddy Nkamnyi – Tallied 4 goals and 1 assist last season, providing an experienced scoring threat.
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Javaughn Hines – A four-year defensive minded varsity starter, bringing leadership and stability to the lineup.
New Additions
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Joao Delgado – A 5'9 winger from Piracicaba, Brazil, a NJCAA All-American transfer from Mercer Community College, known for pace and creativity.
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Garey Mills – A striker from Kingston, Jamaica, a 2023–24 NJCAA All-American from Southwestern Illinois College, whose aggressive style adds firepower up front.
Coach's Corner
Nelson University's Director of Men's and Women's Soccer and Head Coach, Cesar España, is confident in the team's approach entering the season:
"This men's team brings a lot of experience and composure, with players who know how to finish games by capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Paired with a disciplined and resilient mindset, they embody our program's culture and values. Unity has been a big emphasis so far this season and the boys are bought in."
Ticket Information
Fans are encouraged to pack the stands at the Lions Athletic Complex this season. Tickets for all Nelson University home matches can be purchased online: https://vivenu.com/seller/southwestern-assemblies-of-god-university-z6n9
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.
