Stetson closes out the regular-season on Saturday when the Hatters welcome Atlantic Sun Conference-leading FGCU to the Athletic Training Center. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.
While Stetson (9-6-1 overall, 3-2-1 A-Sun) has already clinched a spot in the A-Sun Tournament, the outcome of the game will impact Stetson's post-season schedule. A win or tie would give the Hatters home field advantage for the opening round of the tournament. The Hatters could still clinch home field even with a loss, pending the outcome of other league games this weekend.
The A-Sun Tournament features six of the league's eight teams. Quarterfinals will be played on campus sites on Friday, Oct. 30, with the semifinals and finals at the site of the regular-season champion. The top two teams receive a bye into the semis, while the third and fourth place teams host quarterfinal games. Stetson enters the weekend tied for third with Jacksonville, though the Hatters have the tiebreaker due to a 2-1 victory over the Dolphins on Sept. 26.
The Hatters enter the contest off a split last weekend which saw them rally for a 3-2 win at NJIT before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Lipscomb. Freshman Annette Morton had two goals for Stetson against the Highlanders, while Adrianna Suarez scored the game winner in the 84th minute.
FGCU is looking to make good on its selection as the preseason favorite. The Eagles are likely to need a victory to not only clinch the regular-season title but also home field advantage for the semis and finals of the A-Sun Tournament. FGCU enters the weekend leading second-place Lipscomb by just one point in the standings.
Fans can watch Saturday's game on HatterVision, or follow along via Live Stats. Stetson's Twitter feed @StetsonWSoccer will also provide in-game updates. All tickets are $5, and students get in free.
The Series
Saturday's game is the ninth meeting in the series between Stetson and FGCU, with the Eagles holding a 7-1 advantage. Stetson pushed the Eagles to overtime in the season finale last year, but ultimately fell by a 1-0 count. Stetson's only win in the series was a 3-2 victory in 2007.
Up Next
The A-Sun Tournament begins Friday, Oct. 30 at a time and place to be determined. If the Hatters host, they will play at 7 p.m.
--SU--
