INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Nebraska Wesleyan men's soccer team staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Simpson College 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Bill Buxton Stadium, marking their first victory in Indianola since 2012. The Prairie Wolves improved to 3-3-4 overall and 1-0-1 in American Rivers Conference play, while Simpson fell to 3-5-5 overall and 0-2-0 in conference action.

Junior Max Matthies led the charge with two second-half goals, while junior Franklyn Herasme contributed an early score to help secure the crucial conference victory. The Prairie Wolves overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit with a determined defensive effort in the final 45 minutes, holding the Storm scoreless in the second period while netting two goals of their own to complete the comeback.

Nebraska Wesleyan finished with 8 total shots compared to Simpson's 10, but made the most of their opportunities with three goals on the day. The match featured 23 total fouls and three yellow cards in a physical, hard-fought contest before 125 spectators.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Prairie Wolves struck first in the 11th minute when junior Franklyn Herasme found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Thomas Pisasale, giving Nebraska Wesleyan an early 1-0 advantage.

The lead proved short-lived, however, as Simpson's Mitchell Dickson equalized just over three minutes later in the 14th minute. Dickson's sixth goal of the season came off an assist from Zach Kline, knotting the score at 1-1.

Simpson continued to apply pressure and took the lead in the 31st minute when Iain MaCrae, who had entered as a substitute just seven minutes earlier, scored his fourth goal of the season. Tim Sedlock, also a substitute, provided the assist as the Storm took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

The opening period saw Simpson hold a slight 4-2 advantage in shots, while Nebraska Wesleyan earned three of the four corner kicks of the half. Both teams were called for five fouls in an evenly contested first 45 minutes.

Nebraska Wesleyan came out with renewed energy after the break and found the equalizer in the 54th minute. Junior Max Matthies scored his second goal of the season with assists from Connor Currence and Wil Tobaben, leveling the match at 2-2.

The Prairie Wolves' defense tightened considerably in the second half, limiting Simpson's offensive opportunities while continuing to press forward. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Matthies struck again, netting his third goal of the season off an assist from Kaysha Shagavah to give Nebraska Wesleyan a 3-2 lead.

The match intensified in the final 30 minutes with both teams receiving yellow cards – Simpson's #4 in the 54th minute, Nebraska Wesleyan's goalkeeper Graedon Hilton in the 86th minute, and Simpson's Mitchell Dickson in the 89th minute. Despite the increased tension, the Prairie Wolves' defense held firm to preserve the one-goal victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Max Matthies – Scored two second-half goals (54', 64') to lead the comeback, including the game-winner
• Franklyn Herasme – Recorded his fourth goal of the season, took three shots with one on goal
• Thomas Pisasale – Provided the assist on Herasme's opening goal while anchoring a strong defensive effort
• Graedon Hilton – Despite allowing two first-half goals, made crucial saves to keep the Prairie Wolves in position for the comeback
• Connor Currence – Contributed an assist on Matthies' first goal
• Wil Tobaben – Added an assist on the equalizing goal in the 54th minute
• Kaysha Shagavah – Delivered the assist on the game-winning goal

UP NEXT

The Prairie Wolves will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Wisconsin-Platteville on Tuesday, October 7th. The non-conference match is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in Platteville, Wisconsin.