JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida men’s soccer team captured the ASUN Tournament Championship on Friday night, defeating Central Arkansas in a dramatic penalty shootout at Hodges Stadium.
The Ospreys took a 3-2 lead in the second half when Jaylen Yearwood connected with Joaquin Acuña, who buried a stunning goal. However, the Bears responded seven minutes later to tie the match, and neither team managed to score in regulation or during two overtime periods.
The game was ultimately decided in penalty kicks. With the score tied at 3-3, Central Arkansas sent its goalkeeper to take a crucial kick, but he missed the target completely. That set the stage for Acuña, who sealed the victory for UNF with a composed finish.
The Ospreys claimed their first ASUN title since 2015 and secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The title came in head coach, Jamie Davies first year as head coach of the Men's Soccer program.