Nelson Men Secure Tie at California Intercontinental

In search of the club's first-ever victory, the Nelson Warriors' Men's Soccer team (0-2-2) fought to a thrilling 2-2 draw against the California Intercontinental University Condors on Saturday, September 6, in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Christ Church of the Valley (Peoria) fields.

The Warriors wasted no time igniting the crowd, striking early when junior Anthony Berrios unleashed a stunning 25-yard free kick just 1:37 into the game. The ball soared to the far post, eluding CIU's goalkeeper giving Nelson an early 1-0 lead, and the early momentum.

The two teams traded blows like heavyweight fighters, with Nelson's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Roberto Bustamante, holding firm against a barrage of Condor attacks. CIU, however, found their equalizer before halftime, knotting the score at 1-1 as they headed to the break.

In the 75th minute, freshman sensation Pablo Pulido continued his scoring spree, weaving through defenders and firing a clinical shot past the CIU keeper to reclaim the lead at 2-1. The go-ahead goal seemingly setting the club up for their potential first victory.

However, it was not to be as the Condors responded resiliently, refusing to let the Warriors put the match away. Just two minutes later, CIU capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score at 2-2. Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes, with Nelson's Christian Quintero and CIU's attackers trading near-misses, but the game ended in a hard-fought stalemate.

Despite the draw, the Warriors showed their growing chemistry and tenacity, leaving Warriors nation proud of their team, and buzzing with anticipation for their next challenge.

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.