FIU back in the tournament; Alumnus represents Panthers at showcase

Alejandro Solana // Staff Writer

FIU extends unbeaten streak to five games after defeating ODU 4-1

The defending Conference USA champions have secured their ticket back to the C-USA 2016 Men’s soccer tournament this year for a chance to preserve their title.

The Panthers (7-6-2, 4-2-1), lead by Head Coach Scott Calabrese in his third year at FIU, defeated the Old Dominion Monarchs (4-7-2, 1-4-1) by a final score of 4-1, in Norfolk, Virginia on October 29.

Redshirt-freshman Joris Ahlinvi started things off for the Panthers scoring his third goal of the season in the 34th minute of the game.

Senior Juand Benedetty added to the scoreboard by converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute for his first goal of the season. Only three minutes later, FIU senior forward Luis Betancur scored his third goal of the 2016 season in the 75th minute.

After ODU converted a penalty kick of their own for their first goal of the night, Senior midfielder Jamar Campion-Hinds finished off the Monarchs with his first goal of the night, making it his second of the season.

It is the first time this season the Panthers were able to find the back of the net four times as they extend their unbeaten match streak to five games, winning their last four in a row over Marshall, FAU, UCF and now ODU.

The Panthers will play their final regular season game on the Nov. 5 when they host the University of Alabama-Birmingham. The Panthers will honor the eight senior members of the team at FIU stadium prior to the UAB game.

Catching up with FIU Alumni Daniel Gonzalez

FIU alumnus and standout soccer player Daniel Gonzalez has been selected to the final 18 man roster for the US national soccer showcase.

Gonzalez, who started on last season’s C-USA conference championship team, was chosen out of a pool of over 9500 players across 12 different major US cities.

“I’m happy for Danny,” said Calabrese. “He was good enough to get these opportunities, and I think he performed really well last season. I’m always happy to see when our players get better.”

The Miami native played in 20 games last season for the Panthers, starting in 19. Gonzalez totaled 18 points during the 2015 campaign, scoring seven goals and recording four assists.

Now on the National Showcase roster, Gonzalez will have the chance to play in front of scouts from all over the United States. Along with playing in front of scouts, the 18 players will be given the chance to be chosen by professional teams from across the United States and Mexico.

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