CHARLESTON, SC – In a rain-soaked Labor Day clash, the Stetson Hatters fell to the College of Charleston Cougars, 3-2, in a hard-fought road contest. Despite goals from substitutes Rafael Pinzon and Maurice Hauser, the Hatters suffered their first loss to the Cougars since 2018, dropping to 1-2 on the season.

The Cougars struck early, netting a goal in the seventh minute, but Stetson's sophomore midfielder Rafael Pinzon answered in the 40th minute, converting a well-placed assist from Giuseppe Croce to level the score at 1-1. The goal marked Pinzon's first collegiate tally, while Croce notched his first career assist. However, the Hatters found themselves trailing at the half after Charleston snuck in a late goal just before the break.

Emerging from halftime with renewed intensity, Stetson fired off four shots in the first 12 minutes of the second half, with Xavi Csato testing the Charleston goalkeeper twice. In the 56th minute, newcomer Maurice Hauser provided the equalizer, scoring his first goal as a Hatter off an assist from Charles Ahl, his second of the season.

Despite a barrage of late chances, the Hatters couldn't keep the Cougars at bay, as Charleston reclaimed the lead in the 76th minute.

Stetson outshot Charleston 15-13, including an 11-5 advantage in the second half. Freshman Mauricio Restrepo led the Hatters with three shots, two of which were on target. Goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli made four saves, all in the first half.

The Hatters will return home on Friday to host Georgia Southern at the Athletic Training Center, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM. The game will not be streamed, but admission is free for all fans, and live stats will be available at GoHatters.com.