Florida Gulf Coast University men's soccer took on Stetson on Saturday, falling 2-0 in DeLand. The Eagles were able to post four shots in the final three and a half minutes of the game but could not break through to drop their first points in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
"Mistakes continue to plage us. Both goals were preventable and we didn't create enough. The quality chance we did create didn't get converted," head coach
Jesse Cormier said. "Credit Stetson. They made the plays to win and take over first place. We will get back into it this week and prepare for two home games this week."
Cao Chaves recorded his first start and did not leave the pitch for the Green and Blue. Chaves provided much of the offense in the first half with three of the four shots for FGCU and the only shot on target.
Lucas Windschauer also got in the action with his new role, playing further up the pitch. The Preseason ASUN All-Conference team member put one shot off target high and right in the first half and was able to test the keeper in the 89th minute with a shot on target that was saved.
The Hatters did not have significant offensive pressure to start the game. After two shots in the 11th and 12th minutes that
Oliver Weng saved, Stetson was not able to get a shot off until the 39th minute, which found its way to the back of the net for the 1-0 lead going into the half.
Stetson got out of the locker room fast with a shot just 85 seconds into the second half. They tested Weng again in the 55th minute, but Weng kept it out for his fourth save. The Hatters broke through in the 68th minute, giving them the 2-0 lead.
The Eagles fought back furiously and with 3:13 left, FGCU recorded four shots, three on target. None could get past the Stetson keeper who left the pitch with a clean sheet.
The Green and Blue returns to Fort Myers for two matches in the upcoming week, the first against Keiser on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. followed by an ASUN match against UNF on Oct. 5. The UNF match will be streamed on ESPN+ and tickets can be purchased at the link above.
