WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Stetson Hatters men's soccer earned its first road victory of the season Wednesday afternoon, defeating George Washington 2-1 at GW Soccer Field in the Nation's Capital.
The Hatters (2-4-0) struck early as senior midfielder Andres Mata found the back of the net in the 10th minute, finishing a pass from Daniel Makowem to give Stetson a 1-0 lead. The goal was not only Mata's first of the season but also the Hatters' first on the road in 2025.
George Washington (2-4-1) equalized before halftime, but Stetson reclaimed the advantage in the 70th minute. Sophomore midfielder Benjamin Donato delivered the game-winner, scoring his first of the year off an assist from Joao Freitas to put the Hatters back in front for good.
The Revolutionaries applied steady pressure in the second half with 11 shots, yet the Stetson back line held firm, conceding just one shot on target over the final 45 minutes. Graduate goalkeeper Nicolò Radaelli recorded one save on 14 shots faced to secure the result, while the Hatters finished with 15 total attempts, including four on frame.
"I'm really proud of the group as it's our fifth road match already this season," head coach Emmett Rutkowski said. "We were really resilient and Benji had an unbelievable game-winning goal. Nicolò saved us the match at the end and showed why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the country."
The Hatters will return to the Athletic Training Center on Saturday for Senior Day, hosting the Warner Royals at 6 p.m. in DeLand.
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.
