Puma Men's Soccer opened the 2025 season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against four-year opponent Nelson University on Saturday evening. Despite facing a new level of physicality, limited substitutions, and no hydration breaks under NAIA rules, the Pumas showed composure, resilience, and growth in their opening contest.

"I would have liked to see the result in the win column, but I'm pleased with how the team battled," said Head Coach Christian DeVries. "Since we were playing a four-year college, we had to adjust our game plan to follow NAIA rules regarding limited subs and no water breaks. The guys handled the situation well, and that experience will make us stronger moving forward."

The Pumas went down early in the first half before sophomore Bryan Romero leveled the score just before halftime, converting a penalty kick in the 45th minute. Romero then assisted Anthony Rzayev in the 82nd minute to give the Pumas a brief 2-1 lead, but Nelson equalized just three minutes later.

PVCC outshot Nelson 13-8 and created nine corner kicks to their opponent's seven. Goalkeepers Jonathan Aguirre and Ethan Wicht split time between the posts, combining for four saves on the night.

The Pumas return to action on Saturday, August 30, as they travel to face ACCAC Division I opponent Mohave Community College. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm.