By Nicholas Poblete/Staff Writer
Ties against James Madison on Friday, August 25, and a victory against Ohio State on Sunday, August 28, were enough for FIU men’s soccer team to be crowned champions of the 12th annual Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic.
The Panthers traveled to Columbus, Ohio over the weekend to kick off their fall season. On Friday the Panthers took on James Madison in a contested match. Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Santiago Patiño scored 51 seconds into the second half to score the teams and his first goal of the season. Defender Marvin Hezel assisted Patiño.
James Madison tied the game in the 65th minute. Despite getting scored on, goalie Hugo Fauroux had a superb night, registering six saves.
“JMU was a very organized team who made things difficult for us at times.” Head Coach Kevin Nylen said, “Overall, we created a lot of chances and had the ability to win the game.”
Ohio State hosted FIU on Sunday. The Panthers thrashed Ohio State by a score of 0-3. This was the first win of the Kevin Nylen era.
“The whole team worked together to be able to beat Ohio State,” Inigo Sagarduy said, “and being able to be a part of it is exciting.”
The Panthers took the lead just six minutes into the first half, with Santiago Patiño’s second goal of the season. Alessandro Campoy, who came off the bench, scored the second and third goal in the 46th and 58th minute of the game. Sagarduy assisted in all the three goals of the game.
“Clean sheet, three goals, good chances going forward, good individual performances.” Nylen said, “It was a good team performance to cap off a good start to the season.”
After a successful opening weekend for the Panthers, forward Santiago Patiño earned C-USA Player of the week. Goalie Hugo Fauroux was chosen as the Defensive Player of the week.
The Panthers will host two games this weekend at the FIU Soccer Stadium: Friday at 7 p.m. against New Jersey Institute of Technology and Sunday at 1 p.m. against College of Charleston.
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