FIU Men’s Soccer Cools Off Blazers With 4-0 Win

Liam Rooney / Staff Writer

The FIU Men’s Soccer team completed a 4-0 shutout at home over the Alabama-Birmingham Blazers on Saturday, March 20th. 

The Panthers improved their overall record to 3-2 and now hold a 2-1 conference record. Currently, FIU ranks third out of the eight teams in Conference USA. 

Saturday’s game featured FIU’s largest victory over UAB, extending their winning streak against the Blazers to six games. Historically, the Panthers now hold the advantage in the series with a 8-7-1 record.

FIU jumped out to an early lead through a third minute goal by forward Alessandro Campoy. The Panthers added a second goal just 90 seconds later when midfielder Errol Spence fired his shot into the goal, his first of the season. FIU were up 2-0 five minutes into the game. 

The early goals set the tone for the remainder of the match, as FIU continued to pressure UAB on the offensive side of the field. The Panthers capitalized on the pressure adding a third goal in the 39th minute through a penalty from Campoy. This was his second goal of the match and his fourth of the season. The first half ended 3-0 in favor of FIU, as the Panthers fired off 18 shots. 

FIU continued to stay on the front foot in the second half. The Panthers grabbed their fourth and final goal in the 52nd minute off a header from forward Rasmus Tobinski, his second goal of the year. FIU fired off five more shots and retained the majority of possession of the ball until the final whistle was blown. 

The Panthers finished the match with a total of 24 shots, with nine being on target. FIU took 11 corner kicks, eight more than UAB attempted. Despite having the offensive advantage, the Panthers couldn’t keep themselves out of trouble with the referee, committing ten fouls. 

Following a postponed matchup against the Charlotte 49ers due to COVID-19 protocols the Panthers will remain at home for their next scheduled game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, April 3rd at 6pm.