DELAND, FL - The Stetson University Men's Soccer team kicked off the new year with a 2-2 draw against the College of Charleston Cougars on Thursday night at the ATC in an electrifying opener, marking the second game of a double-header with the women's team.
From the outset, the game showcased the intensity of both teams' aspirations. However, fortune favored the Cougars in the early minutes, as they swiftly notched a goal in the second minute of play. Their momentum persisted, as they found the back of the net once more in the thirty-seventh minute, securing a two-goal lead. The Hatters faced adversity early on, yet a turning point was just around the corner.
In an unexpected twist, James Cox of the Cougars found himself in the spotlight as he drew his second yellow card, leading to an automatic red card and his departure from the field. This left the Cougars with a numerical disadvantage, playing the remainder of the match with ten players. As the first half drew to a close, the Hatters rallied their spirits, pressing forward and earning two corners, bolstered by a renewed sense of determination.
Freshman
Ross Appolon also made a noteworthy play to help the Hatters' cause with a crucial goal line clearance. In an impressive display of defensive, he reacted swiftly as the ball rebounded off goalkeeper
Nicolo Radaelli and was then redirected towards the net, thwarting a potential goal and maintaining the deficit at two.
The narrative of the match underwent a significant transformation as the second half commenced. The Hatters wasted no time in setting the tone as
Jayden Gonsalves maneuvered his way through a maze of defenders, ultimately slotting home the Hatters' first goal of the season in the 52nd minute on an assist from
Afonso Conde. The momentum swing was palpable, and the Hatters continued their offensive assault.
Andres Freire, who had showcased his prowess in the exhibition matches, seized his moment in the 67th minute on an assist from
Andres Mata, capitalizing on the opportunity to beat the keeper and level the playing field. The stage was set for a thrilling climax as both teams clashed with unyielding determination.
Intensity was the hallmark of the game, as a total of 29 fouls punctuated the contest. Amidst this fervor, 12 yellow cards were brandished, and one red card further underscored the fierceness of the competition. In a symphony of collisions and confrontations, the Hatters registered 18 fouls, while the Cougars accrued 11. Each team was cautioned with six yellow cards, painting a vivid picture of the battle that had unfolded on the field.
Despite a spirited comeback, the Hatters concluded the match with a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Stetson outshot the Cougars, 16-7 with eight of those shots being on target. Mata led the charge with three shots while five other Hatters contributed two shots each to the barrage including
Andres Rodriguez, who sent two shots on the goal.
In the goalkeeper position for the Hatters, Radaelli took the helm between the posts, registering a single save in the contest. Despite conceding two early goals, Radaelli exhibited commendable composure as the match progressed, stepping up his performance. His steady presence proved pivotal as he denied the Cougars' attempts, ensuring they remained scoreless for the remainder of the match.
The journey continues for the Hatters, as their next encounter takes them to the UCF Soccer and Track Complex in Orlando, where they will lock horns with the University of Central Florida Knights on Sunday at 8:00 PM, ready to embark on the next chapter of their season's odyssey.
