Stetson University men’s soccer will seek its fourth consecutive victory Tuesday when Florida Atlantic visits the Athletic Training Center in DeLand, Florida. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, with Stetson entering at 5-6-2 overall and 3-3 in ASUN play.
The Hatters have defeated Lipscomb 4-1, South Florida 4-2 and Jacksonville 3-2 during the winning streak. Stetson has scored 11 goals and outscored its opponents 11-5 during the run, while Florida Atlantic has lost once in its first 10 matches.
Stetson’s offense has found its rhythm
Afonso Conde leads Stetson with five goals and 11 points entering the match. The graduate has scored three times during the winning streak and has recorded 18 shots, including nine on goal. Conde also has two game-winning goals this season.
Stetson’s recent production has come from multiple players. Eight different Hatters have scored during the three-match winning streak, while 10 players have scored this season.
Junior Essengue delivered the latest decisive contribution against Jacksonville, scoring his first collegiate goal for the eventual game-winner. Benjamin Donato assisted on the goal, while Valentin Fontaine has scored in consecutive matches against South Florida and Jacksonville.
The Hatters have scored 20 goals through 13 matches and are averaging 1.54 goals per game. Stetson has generated 162 shots, including 57 on goal, and is 3-2-1 at the Athletic Training Center this season.
Florida Atlantic has been difficult to beat
Florida Atlantic enters at 3-1-6 overall and 1-1-2 in American Conference play. The Owls have earned a result in nine of their first 10 matches and are coming off a 1-1 draw at FGCU.
Florida Atlantic has scored 17 goals and allowed 12 through its first 10 matches. The Owls also have recorded four clean sheets and 51 corner kicks, while Michel Tentchou leads the team with four goals and nine points.
Goalkeeper Alfred Mikkelsen has played every minute for Florida Atlantic this season. He has recorded 28 saves, a 1.20 goals-against average and a .700 save percentage, along with four clean sheets.
Xavi Csato adds a Stetson connection to the matchup. The Florida Atlantic forward previously played at Stetson and was named ASUN Freshman of the Year while with the Hatters. Csato enters Tuesday with two goals, three assists and a team-high 10 shots on goal for the Owls.
A longstanding Florida matchup
Tuesday’s match will be the 45th meeting between Stetson and Florida Atlantic. The Owls lead the all-time series 25-16-3, while Stetson is 5-4-1 against Florida Atlantic in the last 10 meetings.
The Hatters are 12-8-1 against the Owls at home. Stetson also enters the match with a 3-2-1 record at the Athletic Training Center this season.
The matchup takes Stetson outside ASUN play before the Hatters return to their conference schedule. Florida Atlantic enters from the American Conference.
How to follow and what comes next
Tuesday’s match will be available on ESPN+, with live statistics through GoHatters.com. The game will be played at the Athletic Training Center in DeLand, Florida.
Stetson’s listed schedule continues with a 6 p.m. home match against Florida Poly on Oct. 16. The Hatters then play at FGCU at 7 p.m. Oct. 24, host Central Arkansas at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 and are scheduled for the ASUN Championship on Nov. 7.
FSB Take
Stetson has scored 11 goals during its three-match winning streak and has received goals from eight players during the run. That balanced production will be tested by a Florida Atlantic team that has earned a result in nine of its first 10 matches.
Conde’s scoring form, Essengue’s recent goal and Stetson’s home record provide key storylines at the Athletic Training Center. A victory would extend the Hatters’ winning streak to four matches.
Source: Original report