GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Sept, 16, 2023
TIME: 7:00 PM ET |
LOCATION: Hodges Stadium
Jacksonville, Fla.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
Stetson University Men's Soccer is set to face the University of North Florida in their first conference game of the season this Saturday at 7:00 PM in Jacksonville. After traversing the country on a challenging road trip that took them as far west as Las Vegas, the Hatters are determined to turn their fortunes around. The road trip commenced with a valiant effort, recording a draw and a loss, but now they're setting their sights on a fresh start back in the confines of Florida.
INSIDE THE SERIES
This will be the 19th time in program history that the Hatters will play the University of North Florida in men's soccer. While Stetson holds an impressive 6-3 record over the Ospreys from the comforts of home, the series has been deadlocked when playing in Jacksonville with a 4-4-1 record. The two first meet back on Oct. 20, 2006 when the Hatters hosted the Ospreys, the result was a Stetson 3-0 win in the inaugural game. The Hatters enter the game on a one-game win streak in the series after defeating the Ospreys on the road in a 2-0 victory on Sept. 17, 2022.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (2-2-2, 0-0-0 ASUN)
After a challenging two-game stretch on their road trip, which featured matchups against the Grand Canyon Antelopes and the UNLV Rebels, the Stetson Hatters return to Florida with a record of 0-1-1 during this away stint. Their overall season record now stands at 2-2-2 as they kick off conference play, positioning them in third place in the ASUN standings.
The Hatters have been strong offensively, leading the ASUN in goals scored with an impressive 13, while conceding 8 goals. Their aggressive style of play is evident in their shot statistics, where they've outshot their opponents 92-48, with 40 of those shots on target compared to their opponents' 25.
In addition to their goal-scoring prowess, the team has also registered 41 corner kicks and recorded 12 assists. Leading the charge in points is Xavi Csato, who has contributed two goals and two assists. Andres Mata is tied with Csato with six points as well, thanks to his two goals and two assists. Charles Ahl and Afonso Conde are not far behind with four points each, stemming from a goal and a pair of assists each. Luis Lara, who scored the lone goal during this recent road trip, also has four points from a pair of goals.
Contributions from various players have added to the team's well-rounded attack. Andres Freire, Jayden Gonsalves, Gabriel Toro, and Kelvin Zinck have each found the back of the net, while Ross Appolon, Alessandro Gabbani, William Mills III, and Andres Rodriguez have provided crucial assists.
Luis Lara leads the team in shots attempted with 16, while Freire, Ahl, and Mata have each taken 10 shots. In goal, sophomore goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli has been a stalwart presence, starting every game, facing 48 shots, and making 18 saves to help anchor the defense.
SCOUTING THE OSPREYS (2-1-3, 0-0-0 ASUN)
The North Florida Ospreys are currently perched atop the ASUN standings as the sole team with a regular-season record above .500. Following a recent 1-1 draw with Florida Atlantic, the Ospreys head into their matchup against the Hatters with a season record of 2-1-3. This includes draws against the College of Charleston and St. Thomas (Minn.). The Ospreys have been productive on the offensive end, scoring ten goals while allowing seven.
In terms of shot statistics, North Florida has been outshot by opponents, with a tally of 65 shots taken against 80 from their rivals. However, they've been more accurate with their shots on target, recording 23 compared to their opponents' 28. The Ospreys have also displayed prowess in set pieces, with 27 corner kicks and 11 assists over the season.
Leading the charge in points is forward Luc Granitur, who has contributed three goals and an assist, with the assist coming in his most recent outing. Forward Joaquin Acuna closely follows with six points, stemming from two goals and two assists. Graduate midfielder Bendeguz Burka and senior midfielder Zach Board have each recorded a pair of goals, with Burka adding an assist to his tally. Defender Ethan Ash rounds out the goal-scorers for the Ospreys this season.
On the playmaking front, junior defender Nick Kishchenko leads the team with three assists, while four other Ospreys have contributed assists on goals. In terms of shots attempted, Acuna leads the team with 13 shots, while Granitur, Burka, and Angus Taylor have each attempted seven shots.
In goal, sophomore goalkeeper Chema Preciado has started five games, facing 64 shots and making 17 saves. Senior goalkeeper Micah Gun from Turkey started in the last outing, facing 17 shots, making five saves, and allowing one goal in the draw. The Ospreys' strong performance this season, both in attack and defense, has positioned them as the team to beat in the ASUN conference.
Derek Marinatos, now in his 13th season at the helm of the North Florida men's soccer program, has undeniably shaped the Ospreys into a force within the ASUN Conference. His tenure is marked by a regular season record of 65 wins, 101 losses, and 19 draws. Moreover, within the conference, he's guided the team to a commendable record of 21 wins, 39 losses, and 11 draws. Under his leadership, the Ospreys have achieved key victories and notable accomplishments.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will return home for the first time since their thrilling 2-0 win over NC State on Sept. 4. While their return is a brief one game homestand, the Hatters will host the Florida Atlantic Owls on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the ATC at 6:00 PM.
