The Stetson men's soccer team held off Jacksonville 2-1 Friday night to advance to the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship game. The Hatters will try to defend their tournament title against #2 seed Gardner-Webb in a 7:00 PM match at the Stetson Soccer Field Saturday night.
The game-winner was a remarkable goal worthy of the post-season. With the match tied at one, Stetson keeper Alessandro Barcherini boomed a free kick from the top of his own penalty box to the top of Jacksonville's. Hatter forward Kevin Munz was thereto control it, then went from left to right past the Dolphins goalie to stick in the lead score. It was the third goal of the year for Munz and the first assist for Barcherini.
"Ale's distribution all year has been outstanding," said Head Coach Sean Murphy. "It was one of those balls that just krept up over the top of the defenders and credit to Kevin, who's work rate is outstanding. He got after that ball and made it his and showed a lot of composure to cleanly finish his chance."
Stetson took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a beautiful free kick from Tanner Wolfe. The lone Hatter on the All-Atlantic Sun First Team, Wolfe stroked a long shot from the right side that caromed off the right post and into the back of the net. It was his team-high eighth goal of the season.
Jacksonville tied it early in the second half. At the 51:50 mark, Anton Axelsson took a free kick of his own from 20 yards out and grounded it past the wall and into a crevice in the left-hand corner of the goal. It was his eighth goal of the year, as well.
"Credit to Jacksonville," said Murphy. "They did anoutstanding job,especially since they played last night as well. Fortunately we came out on top and I am very proud of the effort of all our players."
Murphy was especially pleased with the team's exection of the game plan.
"Our game plan coming in to it was to try and pressure and keep it up-tempo. From that we caused a lot of problems for JU and our efforts paid off."
It was not lost on the Stetson Head Coach that younger players like Barcherini and Munz played large roles in the Hatters victory.
"The seniors are all doing a great job but we've got a lot of young players contributing and that's great for the future but right now what we're concentrating on is hopefully winning another berth to the NCAA Tournament."
The Hatters will face Gardner-Webb in the Championship match Saturday night at 7:00 PM at the Stetson Soccer Field. Stetson defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in double-overtime on September 30. The Bulldogs did not lose another match and secured the #2 seed in the tournament, while Stetson finished the regular season undefeated to earn the top seed.
Earlier in the day, Gardner-Webb defeated in-state rival Campbell, 2-0. Chris Salvaggione and Logan Swaim both scored to eliminate the Camels. GK Tyler Kettering recorded the shutout while grabbing eight saves.
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