Men’s soccer prepares for the first round of the NCAA Tournament

Nicholas Poblete/Panther Press

By Nicholas Poblete/Staff Writer

 

After an abrupt elimination in the Conference USA semi-final this past Friday, the men’s soccer team will host the University of Nebraska Omaha for the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s soccer Championship on Thursday at the FIU Soccer Stadium with kick off set for 7 p.m.

“It’s nice playing at your home field, in front of your fans,” Head Coach Kevin Nylen said. “Excited to play here on Thursday, so it’ll be good.”

The Panthers finished the regular season undefeated, with an overall record of 11-0-4 and a C-USA record of 6-0-2.

FIU suffered its first loss of the season last Friday in Norfolk, Virginia, in the C-USA Championship. The men’s soccer team fell 3-1 against the Charlotte 49ers. The teams had faced off earlier on in the season, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

“We did take away something from the game against Charlotte on Friday,” said Nylen. “Now we look to have a really positive response on Thursday.”

The NCAA selection will see FIU make its 11th Division I postseason appearance. The matchup against the Mavericks will be the first time both teams face each other. FIU come into this game ranked No. 21 in the NCAA ranking, while Omaha are ranked No. 98.

The Mavericks ended their regular season with an overall record of 10-5-3 and a conference record of 2-1-2.

Omaha were crowned champions of the Summit League back on Sunday, defeating the No.1 seed in the conference, University of Denver. The Mavericks and Pioneers played to a 1-1 tie, the game was decided in penalty kicks. Omaha came out on top 9-8 in the penalty shootout.

On Friday, during the C-USA semi-final loss against the 49ers, sophomore midfielder Joris Ahlinvi and senior captain Paul Marie were subbed out in the second half due to injury. Senior captain Donald Tomlinson was unable to play against the 49ers.

According to Nylen, these players will be fit to play for Thursday’s crucial match.

The winner of FIU and Omaha will travel to Durham, North Carolina, to face Duke on Sunday, Nov. 19.

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