DELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University men's soccer team suffered a 6-0 setback against NCAA Division I opponent Stetson University on Friday evening at the Stetson Athletic Training Center.
The Phoenix generated several promising scoring opportunities throughout the opening half but were unable to capitalize as the Hatters pulled away with three goals in each half.
Florida Poly came out aggressively, creating an early opportunity when Tarquin Adams forced Stetson goalkeeper Murillo Mello into a save just over two minutes into the contest. The Phoenix continued to apply pressure, earning two corner kicks within the opening 17 minutes.
Stetson broke the scoreless tie in the 21st minute when Afonso Conde found the back of the net off an assist from Daniele Mastroianni.
Despite falling behind, Florida Poly continued to generate chances offensively. Johnathan Brangman nearly brought the Phoenix level in the 32nd minute when his shot struck the crossbar. Brangman came close again in the 36th minute, hitting the right post as Florida Poly searched for an equalizer.
The Hatters capitalized late in the opening half, with Daniel Makowem converting a penalty kick in the 41st minute before adding his second goal just minutes later to give Stetson a 3-0 advantage entering halftime.
Florida Poly looked to respond after the break, with Julian Villegas registering an attempt in the 54th minute before Peter Janzen forced Mello into another save in the 56th minute.
However, Stetson extended its lead in the 66th minute when Makowem completed his hat trick off assists from Ryan Avallone and Israel Daniels. Leo Fraile added another goal in the 70th minute before Williams Mills capped the scoring in the 87th minute.
The Phoenix finished the contest with 10 shots, including two on goal. Adams, Villegas and Brangman each recorded two attempts, while Janzen and Ahmad Hijaz were among the other players contributing to Florida Poly's offensive efforts.
In goal, Andres Villegas played the full 90 minutes for the Phoenix, recording six saves, including five in the second half.
