Alex Rivera/Contributing Writer
FIU came into Friday’s game with a 9-0-4 record against conference rivals South Carolina, a game that South Carolina needed more than the Panthers.
Going into the game, FIU was ahead in both the standings as well as in various statistics. South Carolina, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the season, even more so when it came to their conference games. In South Carolina’s eyes, it meant it was their last chance at making the postseason conference tournament.
In the first half of the match, both sides looked to be on equal footing, South Carolina has made six shots on goal while FIU made four; both teams making four saves. The half was also relatively clean, with the game having a total of four fouls. A lot of the match was played in the midfield, with an occasional offensive run towards a goal.
After halftime, for five minutes, the game continued to be played in the midfield with little excitement. It was in the 50th minute that Brian Banahan of South Carolina made a shot on goal, and scored. Up until this point, the Gamecocks were on their way to a sure end of their season, a draw would not be enough. But now, because of Banahan, there was a chance. All South Carolina had to do was defend.
In the Panthers’ last game, they scored two goals in the winding minutes of the second half to pull out a draw at USF. An undefeated season, as well as a national ranking, was on the line.
After Banahan’s goal, FIU responded with 13 shots. But the reality is that of the total 18 shots, 9 of which were on goal, none of them found the back of the net. FIU lost their first game of the season, becoming 9-1-4.
Looking forward, the last regular-season game is set to take place at FIU Soccer Stadium against the Marshall Thundering Herd on Friday, Nov. 8.
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