JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The postseason is here, and the Stetson Hatters are ready for another run. The #3-seed Hatters in the ASUN Graphite Division will square off against #2-seed Central Arkansas from the Gold Division on Saturday night in the ASUN Championship Quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Hodges Stadium, hosted by North Florida, with the match streaming live on ESPN+.
Stetson (5-8-2, 3-1-2 ASUN) enters its ninth consecutive ASUN Championship Tournament appearance, riding the momentum of a 4-1 victory over North Florida that punched the Hatters' ticket to the postseason. The Hatters are seeking redemption after falling to Central Arkansas in last year's Semifinals and will look to keep their championship hopes alive for a potential rematch with the host Ospreys on Monday.
The Hatters have shown balance across the board this season, totaling 21 goals while allowing 23. Graduate striker Andres Mata, who was recently named to the TopDrawer Soccer National Team of the Week, leads Stetson with four goals, while forward Zsombor Pall adds five, including a brace in the regular season finale. Graduate goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, the reigning ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year, anchors the defense with 46 saves and two clean sheets this season.
Central Arkansas (4-9-2, 3-2-1 ASUN) enters the tournament as the Gold Division's #2 seed. The Bears have struggled away from home, holding an 0-9-2 record on the road, but will aim to turn things around in Jacksonville. Offensively, they are led by senior forward Devonte Richards, who has netted five of the team's 18 goals. Defensively, the Bears have conceded 34 goals, the most among ASUN tournament qualifiers.
With both teams fighting for a spot in Monday's Semifinal, the stage is set for a high-stakes rematch under the lights at Hodges Stadium.
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.
