Alex Rivera/Contributing Writer
Coming off a 1-0 loss to South Carolina, the Panthers are looking for a sort of redemption against Marshall Herd heading into their last regular-season game.
After 13 games, FIU lost their first game against conference rivals South Carolina, which now puts the Panthers’ record at nine wins, four ties, and a loss. With this loss, FIU’s only chance at earning a bye week in the Conference USA postseason tournament is in their control, they would have to win.
Marshall comes off a 1-0 victory over Kentucky, putting them ahead of FIU in the standings, both with 13 points a side and with Charlotte sitting at the top with 15 points. The tiebreaker going to Marshall for the better record at 12 wins, two losses, and three draws.
Based purely on statistics, Marshall is comparable to FIU in almost every way, from shot on goal percentage, assists to saves. The main difference between the sides can be seen in how cleanly they play: FIU committing 125 fouls with 26 yellow cards while Marshall has 188 fouls, 33 yellow cards and two red cards.
Since FIU’s fate as to making to the tournament is confirmed, a lot of questions have yet to be answered. On game day, it will have been 26 days since the Panthers have won a game, 45 since they have won at home. In no way has FIU had it easy as of late, their win against Kentucky and draw against Charlotte were some of their best competition.
Since their first matchup in 2006, FIU has a 9-7 record against Marshall, having won 4-0 the last time the two played in Miami. The last time the two played, it was in 2018’s C-USA tournament with FIU losing 2-1 and failing to advance.
FIU has a lot to play for: a bye week, coming back from their first loss, and purely to win against the team that eliminated them from the conference tournament last year.
FIU will play their last regular-season game on Friday, November 8th at FIU Soccer Stadium.
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