GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Nov. 4, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM ET |
LOCATION: Owsley B. Frazier Stadium
Louisville, KY.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
After finishing the season with a 6-6-4 record (3-2-2 in conference), the Hatters secured a spot in the ASUN Championship as the #3 seed and will face off with the Dolphins of Jacksonville in the first round, hosted by Bellarmine. Kick off is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, KY.
INSIDE THE SERIES
The Hatters and the Dolphins have met 23 times prior to the opening round of the playoffs. The two met earlier this season in a rain-soaked matchup on Sept. 30, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. While the Hatters hold a 5-4-2 record over Dolphins in DeLand but have only met once on true neutral ground before which ended with a Hatters Semifinals win in 2010. The two met in the playoffs in 2017 when the Dolphins won but Stetson was a host site. Prior to the draw this season, Stetson was on a two-game win streak of Jacksonville.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (6-6-4, 3-2-2 ASUN)
As the postseason beckons, the Hatters will meet again with Jacksonville following the conclusion of their regular season, which culminated in a loss to Bellarmine. Beating the Dolphins would mean a shot at redemption for the Hatters, having secured the third spot in the conference standings with a season record of 6-6-4.
Stetson's season has been marked by thrilling victories and standout performances. Notably, victories against NC State and FAU, alongside a spectacular 3-1 win over top-seeded Lipscomb to secure their playoff berth, were just some of the defining wins over their season. Despite a 3-2-2 ASUN record, totaling 11 points, the team faced road challenges with a 1-4-2 away record, their sole away victory coming against UNF in conference play.
Key players such as Luis Lara and Andres Mata have been pivotal in the team's success. Lara, netting ten goals and accumulating 22 points (the third-highest in the ASUN), along with two assists, showcased a streak of scoring in four consecutive games during the season. Mata, with eight goals and an assist totaling 17 points, was another formidable force in the team's offensive lineup. Their combined 31 shots on goal reflect the team's offensive aggression, especially given their second-highest shot attempts in the conference, totaling 244 shots.
The Hatters' strength lies not only in Lara and Mata but also in the depth of their scoring roster. Eight additional players have contributed goals this season, exemplifying the team's balanced offensive approach. Play-making has been a significant asset, with 12 different players recording assists. Xavi Csato, leading in assists with five, and Conde, closely following with four, have helped the team secure the second position in the conference for both goals scored and assists, totaling 31 goals and 27 assists for a combined 89 points.
The team's prowess is further underscored by their average of 1.94 goals per game and their tendency to take the lead first in nine of their matches. On the defensive front, the Hatters allowed the fifth-lowest number of goals in the ASUN (28), recording four shutouts. Lara, Mata, Charles Ahl, and Alessandro Gabbani have logged over 1000 minutes each, contributing significantly to the team's stability.
In goal, Nicolo Radaelli has been a dependable presence, making 15 starts and facing 156 shots while securing 49 saves, the second-most in the conference
SCOUTING THE DOLPHINS (5-8-3, 2-2-3 ASUN)
The Jacksonville Dolphins navigated through a varied 2023 regular season, marked by a journey that started with a seventh-place ranking in the preseason coaches' poll and concluded with a #6 seed in the playoffs and a season record of 5-8-3, alongside a conference record of 2-2-3. The season's outset was challenging, with four consecutive losses, including tough matchups against #4 Duke and Boston College.
The Dolphins' campaign saw them conclude the regular season with a tight 2-1 loss to Lipscomb after a prior victory over Bellarmine, resulting in a final goal tally of 12 scored while conceding 15 from opponents, placing them among the few playoff teams with a negative goal differential.
An exceptional trait showcased by the Dolphins is their resilience, having netted seven game-tying goals during the regular season. Leading their offensive charge is junior forward Carson Wood, contributing significantly with six goals and two assists. Olivier Correa has been another pivotal contributor with five goals and one assist, supported by seven additional players, each contributing at least one goal. One of which is Jeppe Jordoson, who scored the game-tying goal against the Hatters during the regular season.
Jacksonville's playmakers have accumulated a total of 16 assists distributed among ten different players. Iver Skorve stands out as a key facilitator, recording three assists, with four other Dolphins notching a pair of assists each.
In the goalkeeping department, the Dolphins possess a blend of talents. Sophomore goalkeeper Christian Sekanina has started in 11 games, facing 130 shots and securing an impressive 44 saves, boasting a notable save percentage of .759. However, graduate Mike Zolnierczyk, having started the past three games, maintains a 2-1 record, facing 35 shots, allowing five goals, and making eight saves.
NEXT UP
If the Hatters were to defeat Jacksonville, they would then play the #2 seed Bellarmine Knights in the semifinals on Nov. 6 for a rematch of the regular season finale.
