FIU men’s soccer team prepares to take on the Charlotte 49ers in conference home opener

By Nicholas Poblete/Staff Writer

FIU men’s soccer team will face the Charlotte 49ers in their Conference USA home opener on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

The Panthers were scheduled to have their C-USA home opener on Sept. 8, but due to Hurricane Irma the game was postponed for a later date, which yet to be determined. The Panther’s away fixture on Sept. 12 versus the University of Central Florida was also postponed.

The men’s soccer team traveled to Birmingham, Alabama on Sept 8 to insure the safety of players and staff alike, in the midst of Hurricane Irma, as well as prepare their away fixture against UAB this past Sept 14.

The Panther’s came away with a narrow 1-2 victory. Goals scored by junior forward Santiago Patiño, his fifth of the season, and sophomore midfielder Joris Ahlinvi, his first of the season.

Back home, the Panther’s look to maintain their undefeated record of 3-0-2, and increase their two-game winning streak when they face the 49ers on Saturday at 7 p.m. Charlotte have a 3-1-1 record this season. Both FIU and the 49ers have a 1-0 conference record.

“I know that they’re not going to back down. They’ll play a 4-4-2, and they’re going to be as difficult as anybody,” Coach Nylen said. “They’ll play direct when they need to play, they’ll put balls in the box, they’ll put you on their back foot, they will play when you give them space, they will not take a back seat in any game, that’s just not their M.O.”

The Charlotte 49ers are one of the best teams in the conference, and in the state, according to Coach Nylen.

“Very well coached, organized, tough kids and a very good mentality,” Coach Nylen said. “Its no easy game, whether you’re home or away, Charlotte is as good as you’re going to see when it comes to college soccer.”