Men’s Soccer Secures Statement Tie Against No. 2 MidAmerica Nazarene

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University men's soccer team delivered its most complete performance of the season on Saturday night, earning a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked No. 2 MidAmerica Nazarene at the Rasmussen Soccer Complex. The result halts MidAmerica's four-match win streak and marks a defining moment for a Graceland squad that continues to gain momentum late in the season.

With the tie, Graceland moves to 3-10-2 overall and 2-8-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while MidAmerica Nazarene remains atop the league standings at 10-1-3 overall and 7-1-2 in the Heart.

"Tonight was a great performance for our team," said head coach Bryan Courtney following the result. "That was a clear validation of the amount of work and effort these young men have put into the season. To tie the number two team in the country, the leaders in our conference, shows just how much this team has grown. We as a staff are so proud of their hard work and their resilience. The best is yet to come."

MATCH SUMMARY

MidAmerica struck first in the closing minutes of the first half. In the 44th minute, forward David Stoklasek capitalized on a loose ball in the box and scored an unassisted goal, giving the Pioneers a 1-0 lead entering halftime.

Graceland responded with poise and pressure throughout the second half, outshooting MidAmerica 10-2 after the break and generating six corner kicks. The equalizer came in the 80th minute, when Ashton Adrian slotted home a low shot off an assist from Kaden Edwards, bringing the match level at 1-1.

Both teams traded possession and battled for control in the final ten minutes, but neither could break through for a winner. Graceland's defensive shape and midfield resilience held off a late push from the Pioneers.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Graceland outshot MidAmerica Nazarene 12-8 overall, including a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal.

• MidAmerica led in corner kicks, 6-6, while both teams combined for 20 total fouls.

• Graceland goalkeeper Dither Beltran recorded four first-half saves, while Yuta Hirano came on in the second half and added one more, including a critical stop in the 85th minute.

• MidAmerica's Tobias Stirl was tested repeatedly, finishing with eight saves on the night.

• Matthew Stine, Juan Gelves, and Mario Salinas each registered multiple shots on goal for the Yellowjackets.

KEY MOMENTS

• 43:38 – MidAmerica Goal: David Stoklasek capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area to give the Pioneers the lead just before halftime, finishing unassisted to the lower left corner.

• 79:08 – Graceland Goal: Ashton Adrian leveled the match with a composed finish off a well-placed assist from Kaden Edwards. Adrian timed his run into the box and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to equalize at 1-1.

• 85:02 – Save by Hirano: Graceland's Yuta Hirano made a crucial stop on a driven shot by Ferdi Hagen to deny MidAmerica a late winner, preserving the tie with under six minutes to play.

• 88:05 – Final Shot Saved: Graceland nearly found the match-winner when Guillermo Tejada fired a low strike from the edge of the box. The ball skipped off the wet turf and nearly slipped underneath the MidAmerica goalkeeper Tobias Stirl, who was forced to react quickly and smother the attempt on the line. It was the last serious threat of the night.

UP NEXT

Graceland wraps up its regular season on Tuesday, October 28, when the Yellowjackets travel to face Grand View University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT at the Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines, Iowa.

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