Graceland Men’s Soccer Drops 1-0 Decision at Grace

WINONA LAKE, Ind. — August 23, 2025 — Graceland University men's soccer dropped a narrow 1-0 result on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action at Grace College. A first-half goal by the Lancers proved decisive in a match where the Yellowjackets generated chances but could not break through.

With the loss, Graceland falls to 0-1-1 overall. Grace improves to 1-0-1. Both programs are still awaiting their conference openers.

The only goal came in the 37th minute, when Diego Yanes of Grace capitalized on a slip through the back line. Midfielder Luis Munoz slotted a pass through the central channel, allowing Yanes to take one touch and finish low past Graceland goalkeeper Yuta Hirano from inside the penalty area.

Hirano, a sophomore, played the full 90 minutes and was one of the Yellowjackets' most consistent performers. He recorded five saves, including stops on both Yanes and Munoz in one-on-one situations. His command of the penalty area and shot-stopping ability kept Graceland in the match as the back line adjusted under pressure.

"We're really proud of the effort our team showed in bouncing back from a very challenging opening weekend," said head coach Bryan Courtney. "Even though the result didn't go as we intended, we are very pleased with the work rate, the effort, the intensity and the execution. The future is very bright for this young team."

Graceland attempted nine shots, including six in the second half, but only one was placed on target. That came in the 73rd minute, when defender Ashton Adrian pushed forward during a set-piece sequence and forced a save from Grace goalkeeper Pedro Galante. The Yellowjackets earned three corner kicks and sustained pressure late but could not generate an equalizer.

Grace held a 15-9 advantage in total shots, with six shots on frame. Graceland defenders David Hopfer, Adam Wiman, and Andrew Porter all went the full 90 minutes and were active in dealing with service from the flanks and Lancer overlapping runs. Midfielder Joaquin Wesner and forward Mario Salinas each recorded multiple shot attempts, with Salinas putting consistent pressure on Grace's left side.

The match included physical play throughout, as the teams combined for 32 fouls. Graceland was whistled for 12, while Grace was called for 20. A total of five yellow cards were issued — three to Grace (80', 88', 60') and two to Graceland (60', 69'). No red cards or ejections were issued.

Offensively, Graceland looked more comfortable in the second half, using more direct play through midfielders Cale Williams and Yuta Hirano, and generating width through substitutes Ryan Gourzong and Juan Gelves. Salinas had the Yellowjackets' best look from open play in the 78th minute but sent his left-footed strike just wide of the far post.

Grace created multiple chances in transition and benefited from midfield turnovers, particularly during the first half. Their goal sequence began with a clearance into space, allowing Munoz to create separation between the lines before feeding Yanes for the match-winner.

The Lancers earned eight corner kicks, four in each half, but were denied on several by Hirano and the Yellowjackets' set-piece defense. Graceland, meanwhile, did not attempt a corner until the 63rd minute.

Graceland's bench contributed valuable minutes across the pitch. Stosh Nevshemal, Lucas Porter, and Mathew Stine helped balance the squad's energy, and Alex Iossa saw time late in the match as a forward. Several players saw their season debuts during the road trip.

The result follows a scoreless draw in the season opener, giving the Yellowjackets just one goal conceded in their first 180 minutes of play this season.

Stat Leaders for Graceland:

• Yuta Hirano: 5 saves, 90 minutes

• Ashton Adrian: 1 shot on goal

• Mario Salinas: 3 total shots

• Joaquin Wesner, Cale Williams: 1 shot each

• Team totals: 9 shots, 3 corners, 1 SOG

Graceland will now turn its attention to the upcoming home opener after beginning the year with two competitive road fixtures.

NEXT MATCH: Graceland hosts Hastings College on Saturday, August 30 at 5:00 p.m. CDT at Rasmussen Sports Complex in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland men's soccer and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com