MANKATO, Minn. — The Nebraska Wesleyan University men's soccer team opened its season with a 1-1 draw against Bethany Lutheran on Tuesday night at Scheels Field.
The Prairie Wolves (0-0-1) took a second-half lead before the Vikings (0-0-1) answered to salvage the draw. Bethany Lutheran controlled 61 percent of possession and held a 12-11 edge in shots, though NWU matched the Vikings 6-6 on shots on goal.
After a scoreless opening half in which Bethany Lutheran outshot Nebraska Wesleyan 7-5, the Prairie Wolves broke through in the 61st minute when
Max Matthies scored an unassisted goal for his first of the season.
Bethany Lutheran answered in the 74th minute when Kelvin Hanson netted his first goal of the year off an assist from Diogo Castanheira, leveling the match at 1-1.
Matthies led all Nebraska Wesleyan attackers with four shots, two on target, in addition to his goal.
Franklyn Herasme and
Wil Tobaben each put up two shots, with Herasme forcing back-to-back saves from Bethany Lutheran goalkeeper Brady Price in the 51st minute.
Goalkeeper
Christian Lindseth made five saves in 90 minutes for the Prairie Wolves. Price matched him with five saves for the Vikings.
Nebraska Wesleyan closes out its Minnesota road trip Wednesday, Sept. 2, against Gustavus Adolphus. The game will be broadcast on the MIAC Sports Network with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.
