CONWAY, -- Jacksonville got a pair of goals from Tobias Holtan in a 2-1 win against Central Arkansas, Friday (Oct. 11) on the road at Bill Stephens Complex.
The victory improved Jacksonville's record to 3-5-4 overall and 1-2-1 in ASUN action. The Dolphins add three points, defeating UCA in the fourth meeting between the schools all-time. It was the second straight positive result for JU in ASUN play, tying Stetson who started the season 2-0 in conference action in the last outing.
Jacksonville continues a three-game unbeaten streak, facing quality competition in each of the last three games, going 2-0-1.
How it Happened
Credited with four saves, Christian Sekanina had a pair of the biggest moments of the night, diving right and making a save on a penalty kick just seven minutes into the game.
Jacksonville grabbed a 1-0 lead when Holtan scored his first goal of the season in the 18th minute. Holtan stepped into the lineup for the first time as a starter in 2024, taking advantage of the opportunity, leading the Dolphins on the offensive end.
The Bears evened the game on a goal from Devonte Richards in the 21st minute, assisted by Matheo Francou.
Jacksonville then broke the 1-1 draw on Holtan's 50th-minute goal, his second of the season and the game. Evan Schweickert earned an assist on the equalizer. The score closed the 2-1 game, as Jacksonville held on defensively with UCA going down to ten men following the goal.
Sekanina capped off the win, facing a one on one situation in the box late in the game, the junior goalkeeper made the game sealing save, securing Jacksonville's third win of the season.
Head Coach Ali Simmons:
"It's a team win on the road against a very good Central Arkansas program. So happy for Tobias (Holtan) to score 2 and Chris (Sekanina) was fantastic tonight. We've been on the wrong end of the bounce a couple times, but we deserved tonight. Looking forward to homecoming."
Game Notes
- Christian Sekanina totaled four saves for the Dolphins out of 17 total Bears shots.
- Jacksonville put four shots on goal
Tobias Holtan
"Great team win today. I had meniscus surgery early in the season and I wasn't sure if I could play this season, but my coach convinced me to play because he said the team needed me and today I showed why. A huge thank you to our goalie, Chris who had an amazing match and saved a penalty and had some huge saves."
