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Nebraska Wesleyan EDU
Connor Currence tries to save a ball near the sideline.
1
Cornell College COR (2-5-0, 0-0-0)
2
Winner Neb. Wesleyan NWU (2-2-3, 0-0-0)
Cornell College COR
(2-5-0, 0-0-0)
1
Final
2
Neb. Wesleyan NWU
(2-2-3, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Cornell College COR 1 0 1
Neb. Wesleyan NWU 2 0 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Prairie Wolves Rally for 2-1 Victory over Cornell in Home Opener

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan University men's soccer team made a triumphant return to Abel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, coming from behind to defeat Cornell College 2-1 in their home opener. The victory improves the Prairie Wolves to 2-2-3 on the season, while the Rams drop to 2-5-0.

After conceding an early goal, Nebraska Wesleyan answered with two first-half strikes from Wil Tobaben and Franklyn Herasme to claim their second victory of the season in front of an enthusiastic home crowd of 210 fans.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
The Prairie Wolves started brightly in their return to home turf, controlling possession and establishing their attacking presence early. However, it was Cornell who struck first in the 8th minute when Kyriacos Photiou found space outside the box and fired home his second goal of the season to give the Rams a 1-0 advantage.

Nebraska Wesleyan's response was immediate and emphatic. Just 95 seconds later, Wil Tobaben equalized with a clinical finish off his left foot, converting after Henry Spethman crossed to Franklyn Herasme, who cleverly one-touched it to Tobaben for his first goal of the season.

The Prairie Wolves continued to press forward and were rewarded in the 20th minute when Bryan Andrade delivered a pinpoint cross that Herasme put home for his third goal of the campaign, giving NWU a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

The opening half was marked by Nebraska Wesleyan's offensive efficiency, as they outshot Cornell 11-4 and earned five corner kicks to the Rams' four.

Second Half
The Prairie Wolves' defense took center stage in the second half, limiting Cornell's opportunities and preserving their one-goal advantage. Goalkeeper Graedon Hilton made several key stops, including a crucial save on Justice Toledo's attempt in the 53rd minute.

Nebraska Wesleyan continued to create chances, with Caden Tubaugh leading the offensive charge. The Prairie Wolves finished the match with a 17-9 shot advantage, including 8-5 in shots on goal, while also earning nine corner kicks to Cornell's seven.

The defensive unit, anchored by a strong backline, successfully neutralized Cornell's attack for the final 70 minutes of play, securing the victory in impressive fashion.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Franklyn Herasme - Scored the game-winning goal (his 3rd of the season) and provided an assist on Tobaben's equalizer
  • Wil Tobaben - Netted his first goal of the season and was efficient with 2 of his 3 shots on target
  • Bryan Andrade - Delivered a perfect assist on Herasme's game-winner and helped control the midfield
  • Graedon Hilton - Made 4 saves while facing 9 shots to secure the victory in goal

UP NEXT

The Prairie Wolves have a quick turnaround as they host (RV) Gustavus Adolphus College tomorrow, Monday, September 22, at Abel Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
 
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