DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque men's soccer team scored twice in the first half and held off a second-half push from the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves to secure a 2-1 victory on Saturday at Oyen Field. The win improved the Spartans to 4-0 in conference play, keeping them undefeated in conference action.
The Spartans came out strong on a cold Saturday afternoon, opening the scoring in the fifth minute. At 4:49, UD earned a free kick near midfield, and
Elias Johansson delivered the ball into the penalty area, where
Luka Tomic rose to head it past the Prairie Wolves goalkeeper and give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. UD maintained the pressure and created several opportunities from corner kicks but was unable to extend its advantage during the following 20 minutes. That changed at 30:42 when the Prairie Wolves goalkeeper played a pass into midfield that
Andre Elinoff intercepted. Elinoff quickly played the ball to
Jonatan Banuelos, who took one touch before finishing with his second to make it 2-0. The goal marked Banuelos first of his collegiate career. Nebraska Wesleyan responded just before halftime, finding the back of the net in the 41st minute to cut the Spartans lead to 2-1 heading into the break.
The second half brought a different challenge for the Spartans, as Nebraska Wesleyan increased its pressure in search of an equalizer. UD focused on maintaining its defensive shape while looking for opportunities to counterattack. The Prairie Wolves created several dangerous chances, but the Spartans defense stood firm, with goalkeeper
Riley Johnson making key saves to preserve the lead. Despite sustained pressure from Nebraska Wesleyan, UD remained composed through the final whistle to secure the 2-1 victory.
Tomic and Banuelos each scored a goal to leading the Spartans, with Banuelos first collegiate goal proving to be the game-winner. Elinoff and Johansson each recorded an assist. In goal, Johnson made eight saves, including six in the second half, to help the Spartans hold on for the win and remain undefeated in conference play.
Up Next
The Spartans will hit the road on Wednesday, October 21, for their biggest test of the season, traveling to Waverly, Iowa, to face the Wartburg College Knights. Both teams remain undefeated in conference play, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup as they battle to keep their perfect conference records intact. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Salzwedel Field.
