PELLA, Iowa – Nebraska Wesleyan opened American Rivers Conference play with a 1-0 victory over Central Wednesday afternoon at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex Soccer Field.
The Prairie Wolves (4-4-1, 1-0-0 A-R-C) earned their fourth shutout of the season while handing the Dutch (4-4-1, 0-1-0 A-R-C) their first conference loss. NWU defeated Central for the first time since 2024 after falling to the Dutch twice last season, including in the A-R-C Tournament quarterfinals.
After a scoreless first half, Franklyn Herasme broke through in the 51st minute. Max Matthies created the opportunity with a pass into the box, finding Herasme, who finished the chance for his first goal of the season.
NWU generated 11 shots on the afternoon, putting six on frame, while Christian Lindseth made one save to preserve the shutout. The Prairie Wolves also held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.
The victory marked Nebraska Wesleyan's first A-R-C-opening win since joining the conference and its first league-opening victory since 2012.
Nebraska Wesleyan returns to action Saturday at Loras, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
