Carla Mendez | Staff Writer
FIU men’s soccer kicked off their season with a 2-1 victory against the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 at Paul Lorenz Field in Corvallis, Oregon.
The game began with the Beavers striking early, with junior Dante Williams assisting senior Vicho Castro on a goal in the 13th-minute, setting the tone with an early score. With Oregon State claiming an early 1-0 lead, the Panthers looked to steal some of their momentum.
As the Beavers missed their next shot on goal, no team would score again until the 27th-minute, where junior Eduardo Mustre scored, assisted by sophomore João Domingues.
After evening up the score at 1-1, neither team was able to find any consistency. The Panthers were only able to make one out of their seven shots in the first period, with Oregon State not doing any better, converting on one out of their eight shots.
Unshaken by the first period, FIU began the second period with focus and composure. Just 11 minutes into the period, Mustre converted on his second goal of the match coming off an assist from graduate student Yushi Nagao.
Claiming a 2-1 lead, the Panthers were confident, but the Beavers looked to level the playing field.
Oregon State found themselves within reach of scoring in the 80th-minute. Following a foul from junior Owen Travis, the Beavers were rewarded with a last-ditch penalty kick.
When time was almost out for Oregon State, senior Logan Farrington stepped up to attempt a penalty kick. However, FIU’s fifth-year goalkeeper Tyler Hogan thwarted the kick, protecting the Panthers’ lead.
Hogan made six saves in the game, which helped FIU protect their lead and claim a 2-1 victory against Oregon State.
Bringing home a win to start the season, the Panthers look to carry their momentum into their next matchup against the VCU Rams.
The game will be played on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at the FIU Soccer Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN+.
Follow Carla Mendez on X: @carladfmendez
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