Ortega Herreros Nets Brace as Mustangs Defeat Dakota Wesleyan

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy secured a 2-1 win over Dakota Wesleyan on Sunday at Hadzic Field, ending the opening week of the 2025 season with a come-from-behind result powered by two goals from forward Pablo Ortega Herreros.

Dakota Wesleyan struck first in the 34th minute when Colin Burke converted from close range on an unassisted effort, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Mount Mercy responded before halftime, leveling the match in the 41st minute as Ortega Herreros finished a service from defender Leon Pozo inside the penalty area.

The second half featured a more balanced exchange, with both sides trading possession in midfield and testing each goalkeeper. Mount Mercy's back line, anchored by Leonardo Franco and Patrick Burke, limited Dakota Wesleyan to three shots on frame, all handled by goalkeeper Alejandro Cuende.

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute. Following a corner sequence, Ortega Herreros capitalized on a long low driven ball from defender Ensar Fejzic, changing the ball's direction, slotting his second goal of the match and securing the brace. The Mustangs managed the closing minutes with disciplined defensive shape, despite conceding multiple set pieces and a late yellow card to defender Leon Pozo in the 90th minute.

Mount Mercy finished with a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal and earned six corner kicks compared to four for Dakota Wesleyan. Ortega Herreros accounted for both of the Mustangs' goals on his two shots on frame, while Cuende recorded two saves in the victory.

The match also featured four cautions, including bookings for Richier, Lucas Olivera and Pozo, underscoring a physical contest in midfield.

The Mustangs return to Hadzic Field for a matchup against Viterbo, taking place on Wednesday evening.