Orlando, Fla. ? The Stetson men's soccer team traveled to Orlando Wednesday night and returned home with a big 2-1 win over the University of Central Florida. UCF came into the match ranked No.10 in the most recent Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) South Region poll. The Hatters evened their record at 2-2-0 thanks to outstanding play by the team's midfielders.

“I was very happy that we were able to control the tempo of the match”, said Head Coach Logan Fleck. “Vic Webb, Alex Robinson, and Arthur Prescott did a great job cleaning up the midfield when it was needed.”

The Golden Knights (2-2-0) opened the scoring at 17:22 of the first half on a goal by junior forward Mike Mattson with an assist from freshman Dustin McCarty.

The 1-0 lead held up until just before the end of the first half when Stetson strung together a series of strong passes resulting in sophomore Kevin Munz setting up senior Tanner Wolfe for the tying goal (43:24). Wolfe now leads the team in goals this season with two, and points with four. It was the first assist for Munz who now has three points on the year.

The Hatters controlled play and led UCF in shots 14-13 for the match. In the second half both teams played with heart. It wasn't until 82:35 that Stetson was able to put home the go-ahead-goal.

Junior midfielder Kirk Labusch made a great run down the right flank and drove a bullet that deflected off the post and resulted in a rebound goal for freshman Eugene Starikov. It was the first goal of Starikov's career.

“The team showed great character tonight, it was a strong win”, added Fleck.

The Hatters return to the field Tuesday, September 18 and continue their non-conference schedule when they travel to Clemson, South Carolina to take on the Tigers in a 7:00 p.m. match.