LOUISVILLE - In a high-stakes match with the #2 seed position up for grabs in the ASUN Championship, the Stetson men's soccer team narrowly missed securing their desired position and hosting rights in a 3-2 loss to Bellarmine on Saturday, October 28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The game started with intense back-and-forth action in the first half. Despite both sides creating opportunities, it was the Knights who managed to break the deadlock. A foul in the box led to a penalty kick goal for Bellarmine in the 28th minute, giving them a 1-0 advantage.
Bellarmine continued their momentum, extending their lead to 2-0 in the 33rd minute. Despite Stetson's goalkeeper, Nicolo Radaelli, making an initial save, the Knights capitalized on another opportunity, doubling their lead.
As the first half concluded, the Hatters found themselves trailing by two goals. Both teams had chances to score in the final minutes, but the score remained unchanged heading into halftime.
The Knights wasted no time in the second half, scoring within the opening 34 seconds. Stetson and Bellarmine both had shots on goal, with both goalkeepers making saves within the first ten minutes.
Stetson began their fight back in the 56th minute as a foul in the box set up a penalty kick opportunity for Luis Lara, the team's leading goal scorer. Lara converted the penalty kick, giving the Hatters their first goal of the match.
Radaelli made another crucial save before Alvaro Gabancho set up Andres Mata for a well-placed goal, closing the gap to 3-2.
Despite Stetson's efforts to mount a comeback, they couldn't find the equalizer. The match concluded with a 3-2 victory for Bellarmine.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming ASUN Championship on November 4, where Stetson, holding the #3 seed, will return to Louisville to face Jacksonville. The game against Jacksonville will determine the opportunity for a rematch with Bellarmine, and the Hatters will be aiming to secure their chance at redemption.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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