DELAND, FLA - In a thrilling Labor Day match-up at the ATC, the Stetson Hatters secured a decisive 2-0 victory over the visiting NC State Wolfpack, marking a major win for the Hatters.

It was an electrifying game that showcased the Hatters' prowess on both ends of the field. The Hatters' defense was rock-solid throughout the match, effectively shutting down the Wolfpack's offensive efforts and securing a well-deserved shutout. The Hatters' dominance was evident in the statistics, with Stetson outshooting the Wolfpack 19-6 and taking control of the game from the outset.

The first half saw both teams locked in a tense scoreless draw, with relentless back-and-forth action and resolute defensive efforts from both sides. Despite the Hatters' tenacious offensive pressure, which resulted in 10 shot attempts and six corner kicks, they were unable to find the back of the net in the opening half.

However, the breakthrough came at the 57:18 minute mark when Charles Ahl delivered a corner kick into a crowded box. The ball ricocheted off the foot of freshman defender Ross Appolon before finding the back of the net, courtesy of Andres Mata's precise finish. This goal put the Hatters ahead 1-0 and ignited the crowd's excitement.

With the lead in hand, the Hatters turned their attention to maintaining their defensive stronghold. A Stetson foul gave the Wolfpack a golden opportunity at the top of the box, but goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli rose to the occasion with a dazzling save, preserving the Hatters' lead.

Maintaining their offensive aggression, the Hatters continued to pummel the Wolfpack's defense with shots. Charles "Does it All" Ahl capped off an outstanding performance by scoring his first goal of the season, a brilliant unassisted shot that found the top right corner of the net from long range.

Radaelli's heroics between the posts were crucial once again, as he recorded another two saves in the final minutes, including an impressive stop toward the top right corner of the net. He finished the game with a total of four saves, earning his second consecutive shutout and further solidifying his role as a key defensive asset.

Luis Lara led the Hatters' offensive charge with seven shots on the night, while Alessandro Gabbani contributed three of his own. The Hatters' dominance extended to corner kicks, where they held an 8-5 advantage over the Wolfpack.

The Stetson Hatters' victory over the NC State Wolfpack marked a significant milestone in their history against ACC opponents. Prior to this momentous win, the Hatters had been striving to secure a victory against ACC schools for over a decade. Their last triumph against an ACC opponent was back in 2008 when they defeated Clemson with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The win against NC State not only demonstrated their continuous growth and improvement but also served as a testament to their determination and ability to compete with top-tier collegiate soccer programs in the ACC.

With this impressive victory, the Hatters now ride a two-game winning streak and head west for an extended road trip. Their next challenge awaits against the Grand Canyon Antelopes in Arizona, where they aim to extend their streak and continue their outstanding form. During their two-game winning streak, the Hatters have outscored their opponents by an impressive margin of 9-0, setting the stage for an exciting and promising season ahead.




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.

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