JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson men's soccer earned a pair of conference honors on Monday afternoon, as senior forward Andres Mata was named ASUN Player of the Week and graduate defender Giuseppe Croce claimed ASUN Defensive Player of the Week, announced by the league office.
Both veterans played pivotal roles in Stetson's 4–1 victory over North Florida on Saturday night, a win that clinched the Hatters' berth in the upcoming ASUN Championship.
Mata delivered a standout performance, scoring twice in the must-win match. His brace marked his first multi-goal effort of the season and propelled the Hatters to their first win since September 27. The longtime Hatter and one of the program's all-time scoring leaders now owns four goals this season, including three over his final two matches.
Croce anchored the Hatters' defensive line in the crucial victory, playing the full 90 minutes and helping limit the Ospreys — one of the league's top offensive teams — to just one goal. The veteran defender's leadership and stability were key in keeping Stetson organized under pressure and securing the team's postseason spot.
This marks both their first ASUN weekly honor of the season.
Stetson, the No. 3 seed out of the Graphite Division, will face Central Arkansas in the opening round of the ASUN Championship on Saturday at host North Florida.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
