DELAND, Fla. -  In Saturday night's match at the Athletic Training Center against Jacksonville, Stetson's men's soccer team settled on a hard-fought 1-1 draw, marking their third conference game of the season.

The Hatters displayed their customary aggression from the outset, managing four shots and four corner kicks within the opening 15 minutes. Despite this early dominance, none of Stetson's shots found the back of the net in the first half, even though they outshot Jacksonville 8-3. Notable shot attempts in the first half came from six players, including Andres Mata and Afonso Conde, who each had two attempts. Additionally, four other Hatters attempted shots, with Luis Lara's powerful strike from the top of the box standing out as it ricocheted off the crossbar. Stetson led the shot count 8-3 in the first half but didn't manage to put any shots on goal during this period.

The second half began with a pair of saves from goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli. As rain began to fall around the 18-minute mark, Stetson finally broke the deadlock with a goal by Gabriel Toro, courtesy of a ricochet off Afonso Conde's shot following a Stetson corner kick. However, Jacksonville quickly responded with a goal of their own not long after. 

At the 80:30 mark, Xavi Csato hit the top of the woodwork, the second Hatter to hit the bar on the night. Roughly a minute later, Stetson had an opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick in front of the net. Alessandro Gabbani stepped up to take the penalty, but unfortunately, his attempt was saved by Jacksonville's goalkeeper. With just six minutes left, Jacksonville appeared to have a clear shot at the net, but freshman Ross Appolon, a key defender for the Hatters, stepped in front to block the shot.

Despite some near misses, including a few shots hitting the woodwork, Stetson settled for the draw in the rain-soaked conditions. Stetson outshot Jacksonville 17-9 during the game, with multiple shot attempts by various players, including Xavi Csato, who led the team with three shot attempts. Nevertheless, Jacksonville managed to have two more shots on goal than the Hatters during the match.

Radaelli, the sophomore goalkeeper, wasn't tested much but made three saves in the contest, only allowing one goal on nine faced shots.

The draw sets the stage for Stetson's next game against ASUN foe Queens University of Charlotte on October 7th at 7:00 PM at the Athletic Training Center.
 

  

 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.

Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter . For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics For a recap of the week's notable stories, sign up for the Stetson Athletics Newsletter HERE