Stetson men’s soccer lost 1-0 to North Florida on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Emir Trto scored North Florida’s lone goal in the second half as Stetson remained within one goal throughout the match. The result moved Stetson to 2-6-2 overall and 1-3 in ASUN play, while North Florida improved to 7-3-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.
Stetson increases pressure after halftime
Stetson generated seven of its 11 shots during the final 45 minutes. The Hatters applied pressure during a nearly 14-minute stretch from the 52nd through the 65th minutes, but they could not produce an equalizer. North Florida finished with a 14-11 advantage in total shots and held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal.
Desmond Bullard and Zsombor Pall led Stetson with two shots apiece. Each player put one attempt on goal as Stetson searched for a breakthrough. North Florida’s second-half goal remained the only score of the match.
Mello makes five saves
Stetson goalkeeper Murillo Mello played all 90 minutes and made five saves, matching his season high. Four of Mello’s saves came after halftime as North Florida looked to extend its lead. His performance kept Stetson within reach, but the Hatters could not convert their attacking pressure into a tying goal.
Seven-match shooting streak ends
The loss ended Stetson’s streak of seven consecutive matches outshooting its opponent. That run dated to the Hatters’ Aug. 29 trip to Coastal Carolina. North Florida was the second opponent in the last eight matches to attempt more shots than Stetson.
Next match
Stetson is scheduled to visit Lipscomb in its next ASUN matchup. The match is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. ET at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex in Nashville. Stetson will enter the match with a 1-3 ASUN record.
FSB Take
Stetson stayed within one goal against North Florida but could not finish its second-half opportunities. The Hatters recorded 11 shots and four shots on goal, while Murillo Mello made five saves to keep the match close. The visit to Lipscomb is Stetson’s next scheduled opportunity to improve its ASUN record.
Source: Original report