Men’s Soccer Records First Win of 2025 With 2–0 Victory Over Northwestern

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University men's soccer team secured its first win of the 2025 campaign Friday night with a 2–0 shutout over previously unbeaten Northwestern College at the Rasmussen Sports Complex. The Yellowjackets delivered a complete performance on both sides of the pitch, capitalizing on key offensive moments and holding firm defensively to record their first clean sheet of the season.

With the result, Graceland improves to 1-2-1 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Northwestern drops to 2-1-1 (0-0 Great Plains Athletic Conference). The win marks Graceland's second straight result without a loss, building momentum ahead of a difficult conference schedule.

Graceland outshot Northwestern 16–7, including 11 shots on goal. The Yellowjackets consistently controlled possession in both halves, finding success through the midfield and generating space in the final third. The pressure paid off in the 41st minute, when sophomore Stosh Nevshemal opened the scoring after a give-and-go combination with David Hopfer on the edge of the penalty area. Nevshemal slotted the ball into the lower corner past Northwestern goalkeeper Edoardo Alessandrini, who was active throughout with nine saves.

The second half saw both sides increase physicality, and Graceland used its depth to rotate fresh legs throughout the midfield and forward lines. The insurance goal came in the 80th minute when forward Joaquin Wesner buried a close-range finish, again with Hopfer providing the assist. The goal marked Wesner's first of the season, and Hopfer's second assist of the evening.

"Today was a great team effort by everyone involved," said head coach Bryan Courtney following the match. "It's nice to have a clean sheet as we head into our conference season. The boys battled hard and found a way to win. We now turn our attention to our rigorous conference schedule that will bring intense physical, technical, and tactical battles in the weeks to come."

Defensively, Graceland was anchored by goalkeeper Yuta Hirano, who made three saves en route to his first shutout of the season and improving to 1-2-1 in goal. Center backs Adam Wiman and Jack Van Den Oetelaa were disciplined in their positioning, limiting space for Northwestern's attacking players and clearing several dangerous entries. The Raiders managed just three shots on target and one corner kick across 90 minutes.

Wiman also contributed to the attack with two shots on goal, while midfielders Cale Williams, Andrew Porter, and Samuel Steiner provided service and transitions into the final third. The Yellowjackets earned multiple set-piece opportunities, including three corner kicks, and drew eight fouls from Northwestern as the Raiders struggled to contain Graceland's movement off the ball.

Nevshemal and Wesner combined for two goals on four shots, and Graceland saw contributions throughout the rotation, including from Gui, Ashton Adrian, and Ryan Gourzong, who each created opportunities from wide areas. Adrian recorded two shots on frame, including a near goal in the 88th minute that required a diving save from Alessandrini.

The Yellowjackets stayed disciplined amid rising tensions late in the match, receiving one yellow card (Van Den Oetelaa, 63') and maintaining composure during a physical second half that also saw two bookings for Northwestern.

Northwestern's best chance came in the 70th minute when Jannes Keuhn directed a header on frame off a corner, but Hirano positioned well to make the save. That moment marked the final major test for Graceland's defense, which closed the match without allowing another shot on goal.

In total, Graceland registered 11 shots on target, compared to Northwestern's three, and maintained consistent control of tempo and spacing. With sharp execution in the final third and compact defending in their own half, the Yellowjackets secured their first victory of the season and a vital shutout performance.

Graceland now shifts focus to Heart of America Athletic Conference play, which begins on the road next week.

The Yellowjackets return to action on Wednesday, September 10, with a road match against Mount Mercy University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT at Hadzic Field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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