DeLAND, Fla. - The Stetson University men's soccer team earned their first victory of the 2024 season in an electrifying 1-0 shutout against the Florida International Panthers at the Athletic Training Center on Monday night. Senior midfielder Andres Mata delivered in the clutch, netting the decisive goal in the 66th minute—his first of the season—to lift the Hatters in their home opener. With this win, Stetson improves to 1-1 on the year.

Stetson, who boasted a 5-2-2 record at the ATC last year, now starts the season with a 1-0 record at home. The victory also marks their first victory over FIU on home turf since 2008.

The Panthers started hot with nine shots in the first half compared to Stetson's three, but the Hatters' defense held firm, sending both teams into halftime in a scoreless tie.

The deadlock was finally broken at the 66:45 mark when Mata capitalized on a rebound after a shot attempt by Xavi Csato. Mata, while on his back, deftly slotted the ball into the net with his right foot, securing the game-winning goal.

Refusing to rest on their one-goal advantage, the Hatters continued to press, with Maurice Hauser and Mauricio Restrepo each testing the Panthers' goalkeeper with shots on target.

In the final moments of the match, FIU made one last push, but their attempt went wide, sealing the shutout for Stetson. Goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, who made seven saves on 17 shots, earned his first clean sheet of the season, building on the four he recorded last year. The Milan, Italy native was instrumental in keeping the Panthers off the scoreboard.

Seven different Hatters contributed to the offensive effort, with Gabriel Toro and Mata each registering two shots.

Next up, the Hatters hit the road to face Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton on Thursday, August 29, at 6:00 PM. Fans can follow the live stats at fausports.com and catch all the action streaming on ESPN+.