Men's Soccer Clinches ASUN Postseason Berth in 3-0 Shutout Against Bellarmine

Saturday, October 19

Jacksonville, Fla.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

5-6-3, 3-1-1

Bellarmine

3-5-3, 0-3-1

Bellarmine

North Florida

Men's Soccer Clinches ASUN Postseason Berth in 3-0 Shutout Against Bellarmine

10/19/2024 11:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Perez, Acuna Increase Their ASUN-Leading Scoring Marks to Five Goals

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida men's soccer (5-6-3, 3-1-1) clinched its spot in the ASUN Championship tournament after a dominant 3-0 shutout victory over Bellarmine (3-5-3, 0-3-1) on Saturday evening at Hodges Stadium.

The Ospreys picked up their first-ever win in program history against Bellarmine in its fourth all-time matchup since the Knights joined the conference in 2021. It is also the first shutout win for UNF under head coach Jamie Davies.

UNF gets to the three-win mark in ASUN competition for just the second time since 2019. They also join Stetson in clinching an ASUN postseason spot, as they are currently the top two seeds in the league.

GOALS

14' | David Perez (Rafa Rios) - UNF
45' | Jaxon Reinhardt (Nick Kishchenko) - UNF
71' | Joaquin Acuna (Alfie Mattocks) - UNF

HOW IT HAPPENED

After minimal play in the opening minutes, David Perez shot a laser in the net off a ball from Rafa Rios to get the scoring started in the 14th minute.
The Ospreys continued applying pressure against Bellarmine with five shots taken over the span of the next 15 minutes.
As the clock was counting down to end the half, Nick Kishchenko sent a high ball in the box and Jaxon Reinhardt laid a head on it that flew over the keeper's gloves and scored the second goal with three seconds to spare.
UNF continued to keep the offense flowing, Joaquin Acuna had a pair of chances that flew just over the woodwork.
In the 71st minute, Alfie Mattocks crossed the ball into Acuna, as he finally executed to score the third goal of the game from his knee.
Great defense through the closing minutes of the match secured the shutout and the postseason berth for the Ospreys.

RECORDS

North Florida | 5-6-3, 3-1-1
Bellarmine | 3-5-3, 0-3-1

QUICK KICKS

UNF has now won three of their last four conference matches scoring a total of 11 goals in that span.
Acuna has scored five goals in his last four games played, all within conference play.
Perez matched Acuna's top ASUN mark of five goals in conference play with his first since FGCU.
Reinhardt scored his second goal in as many games, as well as his fourth of the season off the bench.
Mattocks and Rios notched their third assists on the season, while Kishchenko recorded his first.
UNF outshot Bellarmine, 13-5, while also holding the Knights to no shots on goal.
Mark Romano made his collegiate debut in his second season with the team, as 20 Ospreys saw playing time.

COACH'S THOUGHTS

"Tonight was a great team performance. We weathered the storm early on and found our way into the game. The boys are showing great confidence in what they are doing right now, so we were happy to continue the momentum in conference play. We have two massive games coming up, so we will reset and start to prepare for them tomorrow."
-- head coach Jamie Davies