Panthers end second match in a row scoreless

David Drucker/ Staff Writer

In their last home match of the regular season, Florida International University’s men’s soccer team (9-5-1, 3-3-1 in Conference USA) played the University of New Mexico Lobos to a 0-0 draw on Saturday, Oct. 31. Although the Panthers offense kept pressure on the Lobos’ defense all match, UNM goalkeeper Jason Baeulieu made eight saves to hand FIU their second consecutive scoreless effort.

FIU dominated the contest in every offensive category besides goals. The Panthers attempted 21 shots to New Mexico’s five. The Lobos only landed one shot on goal, which junior goalkeeper Arthur Clapot saved. The Panthers also took 10 corner kicks to the Lobos’ four.

Many Panthers attempted to find the back of the Lobos’ net, but failed – eight different Panthers attempted shots in the match. Sophomore Brad Fountain led FIU in shots with four.

Although regulation provided FIU with plenty of chances, overtime afforded the Panthers even more chances. Senior Daniel Gonzalez had a good look on a strike in the 99th minute, but it was deflected away by UNM. Junior Deshawon Nembhard had another look off of Gonzalez’s rebound, but it was also saved. The Panthers took six shots to the Lobos’ zero in extra time, but two periods of overtime was not enough for FIU to gain an advantage as they settled with UNM at 0-0.

After leading the nation in scoring for weeks, the Panthers rank as fifth in the nation in with an average of 2.36 goals per game as of Oct. 29. FIU has now been shut out in four outings this season, three of which came against C-USA opponents. The Panthers’ second straight shutout is likely to drop them out of the top ten in scoring.

The Panthers will complete their regular season schedule with a road matchup versus #16 University of Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats sit atop the C-USA standings with a 6-0 record in conference matches.