Late Goals Sink Graceland Men’s Soccer at Culver-Stockton

CANTON, Mo. — Despite holding a second-half lead and matching their opponent in total shots, the Graceland University men's soccer team fell 2-1 on the road to Culver-Stockton College in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) action Wednesday night at Poulton Stadium.

With the loss, the Yellowjackets drop to 3-9-1 overall and 2-7-0 in conference play, while the Wildcats improve to 3-8-4 overall and 2-6-2 in the HAAC.

Graceland opened the scoring in the 71st minute on a set piece opportunity, as Guillermo Tejada connected on a chance in the box, finishing an assist from Ryan Gourzong. The goal was Tejada's second of the season and gave Graceland a 1-0 advantage.

However, Culver-Stockton equalized just over 11 minutes later. In the 83rd minute, Irgen Hasanaj broke through the midfield and scored unassisted to tie the match at 1-1. Then, in the 88th minute, the Wildcats found the go-ahead goal off a rebound, as Ethan Wilkinson-Felg netted the game-winner to complete the comeback.

"We outshot and out-chanced our opponent, but we have to convert those chances into goals," said Graceland head coach Bryan Courtney. "It's been a long, tough season, but our team continues to play hard. I'm proud of the way we continue to grow together despite this adversity. The future is bright for us."

Graceland recorded 13 shots, including six on goal, with offensive pressure spread throughout both halves. Ashton Adrian led the team with four total shots, while Juan Gelves, Joaquin Wesner, and Mario Salinas each contributed multiple attempts.

In net, Dither Beltran made seven saves on nine shots on goal, keeping the Yellowjackets in contention throughout the match. Culver-Stockton goalkeeper Ricardo Fischbach stopped five shots, conceding just the one goal to Tejada.

The Yellowjackets created six corner kicks in the match, compared to just one for Culver-Stockton, demonstrating consistent attacking presence in the final third. Graceland also committed 14 fouls, a mark that contributed to three yellow cards, while the Wildcats were whistled for 10 fouls and shown two cautions.

The match remained goalless through the first half, with both teams trading chances. Graceland tested Fischbach in the 21st minute when Gelves forced a save and followed up with a corner. Beltran came up big in the 28th and 32nd minutes with saves on Hasanaj and Wilkinson-Felg to maintain the 0-0 scoreline into halftime.

Tejada's breakthrough in the 71st minute came during a stretch of heavy possession in Culver-Stockton's half. Gourzong's low-driven cross found Tejada near the penalty spot, and the midfielder calmly finished into the lower corner for the opening goal.

Hasanaj responded with a solo effort that pierced the Graceland back line, bringing the match level in the 83rd. Wilkinson-Felg's goal followed a scramble inside the six-yard box, capitalizing on a deflection off a save by Beltran.

Graceland made several late substitutions in search of an equalizer, with Wesner and Salinas each taking late attempts. Salinas' effort in the 90th minute was saved by Fischbach, ending the Yellowjackets' final push.

Box Score Summary

• Final Score: Culver-Stockton 2, Graceland 1

• Goals:

  • 70:43 – GRAC – Guillermo Tejada (Assist: Ryan Gourzong)

  • 82:16 – CUL – Irgen Hasanaj (Unassisted)

  • 87:55 – CUL – Ethan Wilkinson-Felg (Unassisted)

• Shots: Graceland 13, Culver-Stockton 13

• Shots on Goal: Graceland 6, Culver-Stockton 9

• Saves: Beltran (GRAC) 7, Fischbach (CUL) 5

• Corner Kicks: Graceland 6, Culver-Stockton 1

• Fouls: Graceland 14, Culver-Stockton 10

• Yellow Cards: GRAC – 3 (Beltran, Wiman, Team), CUL – 2 (Moutinho, Team)

Tejada's goal was one of six total shots on goal from the Yellowjackets, who also got shots on target from Salinas, Gelves, Wesner, Adrian, and Henry Henderson.

Courtney's side showed improvement in maintaining possession and pressing forward through the midfield, notably through the combination of Andrew Porter and Cale Williams, who helped keep the game compact and created space for runners out wide.

Substitutions played a key role in Graceland's ability to stay aggressive late. Joaquin Wesner, Matteo Iossa, and Ryan Gourzong each provided minutes off the bench that led to fresh legs in attacking zones. The Yellowjackets also saw quality minutes from David Hopfer, Mario Salinas, and Kaden Edwards, all of whom contributed to build-up play and pressure on the ball.

Graceland's ability to create corners, draw fouls in the attacking third, and maintain consistent movement off the ball showed signs of growth from earlier in the season. Still, the late goals continue to be a concern for a team that has now lost four matches by a one-goal margin in 2025.

NEXT MATCH
Graceland returns home to host Baker University (KS) on Saturday, Oct. 18, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. CDT at the Rasmussen Sports Complex in Lamoni, Iowa.

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