GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Oct, 14, 2023
TIME: 8:00 PM ET |
LOCATION: Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex
Conway, Ark.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
Stetson men's soccer will return to conference play after dropping their last game against Embry-Riddle 1-4 at home, their first home loss of the season. The Hatters hit the road in hopes to get back on track as they take on the University of Central Arkansas Bears at Bill Stephens Track & Soccer Complex in Conway, Ark. on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8:00 PM ET.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Having only seen each other two times, the series is currently knotted up at 1 apiece heading into Saturday's match. The Hatters won the inaugural meeting with a 2-1 road win on Oct. 9, 2021, led by a two-goal performance from Nelson Pereira. The Bears had the Hatters number a season ago, however, as Stetson fell to Central Arkansas 1-3 on Sept. 24, 2021 at home.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (5-4-3, 2-1-1 ASUN)
The Stetson men's soccer team currently sits in third place in the ASUN standings with a 2-1-1 conference record, accumulating 7 points. With an overall season record of 5-4-3, the Hatters seek to get back in the win column after seeing their undefeated streak at the ATC fall to Embry-Riddle on Wednesday.
Luis Lara, who delivered an outstanding performance last Saturday, scored the lone goal for the Hatters during the mid-week showdown. He know has tallied seven points in the last two games after contributing on all three goals in the win against Queens, two of which he was responsible for. With a total of 7 goals and two assists, Lara is the team's leading scorer with 16 points, ranking fourth in the conference. Andres Mata, who also found the back of the net in last Saturday's win, is another key contributor with five goals, one assist, and 11 points.
The Hatters' offensive depth is evident as ten different players have scored goals this season, including Xavi Csato and Gabriel Toro, each with a pair of goals. Additionally, ten players have recorded assists, with Afonso Conde leading the pack with four assists, followed closely by Csato, Charles Ahl, and Gabriel Toro with three each, the latter recorded his third assist in Wednesday's loss.
Stetson is second in the conference in both goals scored and assists, tallying 23 goals and 21 assists for a total of 67 points. They are second in the league in shots taken, with 189 attempts, and 70 of those on target, thanks in part to Lara's 33 total shots. The team averages 1.92 goals per game and has struck first in seven out of their 12 games.
On the defensive side, the Hatters have allowed 20 goals against, which is the fifth fewest in the ASUN. They've recorded four shutouts this season, showcasing their ability to secure their own end of the field. Goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, who didn't start on Wednesday in place of senior Michael Smith, has made 11 starts for Stetson and has faced 110 shots and made 33 saves, demonstrating his reliability in goal. He's been apart of three solo shutouts and has combined with Smith for a fourth.
Lara, Alvaro Gabancho, Ross Appolon and Radaelli have all been recognized by the conference as Players of the Week throughout the season, the latter having the honor as the first Stetson goalkeeper to win the weekly award.
SCOUTING THE BEARS (2-7-2, 1-2-1 ASUN)
The University of Central Arkansas men's soccer team is looking to change their fortunes after Tuesday's loss at Saint Louis. Facing yet another team that has been flirting with the top-25, the Billikens used early offense to throw Central Arkansas for a loop, creating a gap that couldn't be overcome. Pietro Fontana scored his ninth goal of the season, but the sophomore's lone score wasn't enough against Saint Louis.
Facing a tough schedule that included three ranked teams on the road, the Bears hold a record of 1-5-1 when playing away from Conway but when in the confines of home, they hold a 1-2-1 record. They currently sit sixth in the standings after being picked to finish third in the 2023 ASUN Preseason Coaches' Poll. With four points, they hold a conference record of 1-2-1 with their lone conference win coming against Queens.
As a team, the Bears have found the back of the net 17 times, third most in the ASUN, but have also allotted 27 goals against, a conference high. Averaging 1.55 goals a game, the Bears have fired off 125 shots, 59 of which have been on goal. In addition to 17 goals, the Bears have also tallied 18 assists for a third-best 52 points.
Central Arkansas is led by the duo of Fontana and Devonte Richards, who have attempted 28 and 27 shots, respectively. Fontana is second in the ASUN with nine goals scored, coupled with one assist to bring his total points to 19. Richards has been successful on the set up, racking up five assists, third most in conference. Sohma Ichikawa has also been a play-maker, assisting on four goals which ties him for fourth most. The Bears have seen 8 different goal scorers this season and nine different players tallying an assist.
Central Arkansas is head by Frank Kohlenstein, who earned ASUN Coach of the Year honors after just one season with the program. Kohlenstein, who was hired to lead the UCA program in May of 2021, led the Bears to a co-championship in their first season in the ASUN Conference and a No. 2 seed in the 2021 ASUN Championship Tournament. UCA finished its initial season in the new league with an 11-6 overall record and a 5-2 conference mark.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will play their final non-conference game of the season as they return home to host the University of South Florida Bulls on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Athletic Training Center. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM with all the action being shown on ESPN+ and live stats on GoHatters.com
