Box Score ORLANDO, Fla. - The Stetson University men's soccer team fell to the University of Central Florida Knights 2-1 at the UCF Soccer & Track Complex on Sunday night.
Coming off a competitive comeback in a 2-2 draw against the College of Charleston last Thursday, the Hatters brought that same ambitious edge with them down the I-4 to Orlando.
During a captivating first half saturated by rain, amidst the back and forth action, it was the Knights who ultimately seized the moment with a penalty kick goal. This moment unfurled in the wake of a Stetson yellow card in the 13th minute.
What appeared to be a moment of elation for the Hatters was swiftly followed by the cruel verdict of an offside call, erasing what could have been an equalizing goal.
Then in a flurry of high-stakes plays just before the half, the Hatters earned three consecutive corner kicks. However, the Knights were able to fend off each attempt as the team remained down by one at the half.
The first half offense was conducted by
Charles Ahl, who orchestrated three well-executed shots, with two finding their mark with precision.
Nicolo Radaelli, the guardian of the Hatters' net, stood firm in the face of adversity, facing four shots in the first half, three of which targeted his goal. With a pair of acrobatic saves, he showcased his determination to keep his fortress unbreached.
The Hatters' corner kicks, five in total, dominated the landscape of the first half, with three of these opportunities materializing in the climactic final two minutes.
The defensive line, featuring more of
Ross Appolon's clearance ability, acted as a wall against the impending threat of crosses.
Jayden Gonsalves, who etched his name onto the score sheet just days prior, continued to suffocate opponents with his tenacious defense, as well.
As the clock continued to count down it was
Xavi Csato who seized the spotlight, scoring his first career goal. A rocket from the right side of the box found the back of the net in the 47th minute, rekindling hope and restoring equilibrium in the scoreline.
A key moment in the second half was the breathtaking diving save executed by Radaelli in the 55th minute, turning a free kick into a testament of his agility and skill. Radaelli's heroics persisted, another awe-inspiring save notched onto the tapestry of the 66th minute, further underscoring his vital role as the last line of defense.
Another Stetson yellow card towards the end of the 79th minute came with a price, manifesting in a consequential free kick that once again prompted Radaelli to exhibit his brilliance, turning away yet another formidable attempt.
The 83rd minute bore witness to a moment of heartbreak as UCF found the top left corner of the net, the ball skimming off Nico's fingertips but evading his touch.
Despite the Hatters' spirited display of aggression and competitiveness, their efforts were ultimately subdued by the UCF Knights, who emerged victorious in a hard-fought 2-1 battle.
The Knights outshot the Hatters 17-9 but the two remained deadlocked at five corner kicks a piece. Radaelli recorded eight total saves, some in dramatic fashion, while yielding only two goals. Seven Hatters registered a shot but it was Ahl who remained the leader with three.
The Hatters return to the pitch on Friday, Sept. 1 at the ATC where they host the University of St. Thomas Tommies at 7:00 PM.
