JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — #3 Stetson pulled off a stunning upset over #2 Central Ark., winning 2-1 on Saturday in the 2025 MSOC ASUN Championship match. The Hatters, riding a two-game winning streak, dominated possession and shot attempts to secure the victory before 199 spectators at a neutral site.
Central Ark. struck first with Pietro Fontana's goal in the 9th minute, assisted by Devonte Richards, giving the higher-seeded Bears an early advantage. The home team controlled the opening stages but couldn't capitalize on their early momentum as Stetson settled into the match and began creating chances of their own.
Stetson equalized through Zsombor Pall in the 54th minute, drawing level after halftime adjustments. The Hatters' persistence paid dividends just two minutes later when Dominik Topolsky scored in the 56th minute to give Stetson a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish. The quick succession of goals shifted momentum decisively in the visitors' favor.
The Hatters' offensive pressure was evident throughout the second half. Stetson out-shot Central Ark. 17-7 overall and 8-5 on target, controlling the tempo and limiting the Bears' opportunities. Central Ark. managed six corner kicks compared to Stetson's four, but couldn't convert their set-piece chances into goals.
Central Ark. received yellow cards to Lucas Shearer in the 37th minute and Elijah Bishop in the 83rd minute for unsporting conduct, while Stetson avoided disciplinary action. The Bears' goalkeeper made six saves to keep the deficit manageable, while Stetson's keeper recorded four saves in a composed performance.
The upset victory extends Stetson's winning streak to two games following their 4-1 triumph over North Florida on November 1st. Central Ark., meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive loss after falling 6-1 to Lipscomb on November 1st, dropping their overall record to 4-10-2. Stetson improved to 6-8-2 with the road victory.
Stetson's balanced attack proved too much for Central Ark. to handle in the second half.