Mark Romano Delivers Game-Winning Goal To Propel Men's Soccer Past Central Arkansas, 2-1

Saturday, October 3

Jacksonville, Fla.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

8-3-1, 4-0-0

Central Arkansas

5-4-2, 2-0-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Central Ark.	0	1	1
North Florida	0	2	2

Mark Romano Delivers Game-Winning Goal To Propel Men's Soccer Past Central Arkansas, 2-1

10/3/2026 10:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Senior midfielder Mark Romano delivered the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to propel University of North Florida Men's Soccer past Central Arkansas, 2-1, at Corporate Traffic Logistics Field at Hodges Stadium on Saturday night.

Romano has now posted three-game winning goals in the ASUN Conference action this season, all of which have come in the 85th minute or later. Romano leads the team with six goals and 13 points this season.

With the result, North Florida remains in the ASUN Conference lead with 15 points. North Florida is now 8-3-1 overall and 5-0-0 in ASUN Conference play.

The 5-0-0 start marks the best start to ASUN play in program history.

Junior forward Kaiss Mansouri threatened in the final third right before the halftime break with a shot on goal in the 43rd minute. North Florida notched three shots in the first half, but the score remained level at 0-0.

Central Arkansas struck first with a goal in the 49th minute.

Junior defender Rafa Rios evened the score on a converted penalty kick in the 56th minute. The penalty was drawn by freshman forward Emir Trto. It marked the second goal of the season and third career goal for Rios.

With the score tied at 1-1 in the 89th minute, a headed ball landed at the feet of sophomore midfielder Omar Trto, who then found Romano for the go-ahead goal. It marked the 10th career goal for Romano.

Fifth year goalkeeper Luciano Natoli notched three saves in 90 minutes in goal. Natoli has recorded six matches with three or more saves this season.

Six Ospreys saw action and Natoli, Rios, senior defender Germain Kapela and senior midfielder Tyler Prebenda all logged the full time.

North Florida travels to Miami, Fla. to battle FIU at FIU Soccer Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.