The Stetson men's soccer won its second consecutive game on Friday 1-0 over the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. The Hatters controlled the pitch for much of the first half and led the Ospreys in shots 10-6.
The Hatters had a strong game in the midfield and from the back line. Stetson controlled the rhythm of play. Senior Goalkeeper Evan White played very well with five saves and picking up his second shutout of the season.
“We had some good, mature play from Alex (Robinson) and Victor (Webb)”, said Head Coach Logan Fleck. “They did a great job of switching play and keeping North Florida off balance.”
The game went back and forth in the second half with the Hatters continuing to see an advantage in the midfield. Neither team, however, could generate a winning scoring opportunity. Stetson once again held the advantage in shots, yet by a closer margin (5-4).
The game continued into overtime where the team played the first ten minute period scoreless. UNF out shot the Hatters 2-1. In the second overtime the teams generated one shot each. It was the Hatters' final shot that decided the game.
Sophomore defender Robert Hodge played the ball out of the back to midfielder Kirk LaBusch who moved the ball down the line and sent a crossing pass towards the goal. Senior forward Tanner Wolfe took the pass and drove it just inside the left post for the game-winner at 103.45 - A thrilling victory for the visiting team. It was the team-leading fifth goal and 13th point for Wolfe.
The win raises the Hatters' record to 7-3-0 overall and 3-1-0 in A-Sun Conference play. The Ospreys fall to 4-6-0, 3-2-0. Stetson, ranked #7 in the South Region of the NSCAA Poll will return to the field Sunday for a 7:00 p.m. game at Jacksonville University.
