Will Duval | Sports Director
After spending nearly four years in the Pachuca academy system, junior forward Eduardo Mustre brought his talents to the FIU soccer team over the summer and has already made an impact over a short amount of time.
Standing at 5-10, 175-pounds, he leads the team in scoring with five goals scored this season, playing a heavy role in the Panthers’ offense and helping the team to a 4-2-2 record.
Playing in all eight games, he also leads the team in shots taken and shots on goal, totaling 26 and 14 respectively as the regular season reached its halfway point.
In light of his success, Mustre keeps a calm yet confident demeanor and looks to continue to grow not only on the field, but off the field as well.
Choosing to come to FIU in hopes of a larger role on a team, he played for Pachuca’s academy system from 2019 until this season.
C.F. Pachuca, known as Pachuca for short, is part of Liga MX, Mexico’s top professional soccer division and has three divisions of play.
“I chose to come to FIU because Pachuca didn’t give me the opportunity I had earned”, said Mustre when asked about his decision.
Expanding further upon his reasoning, he added: “they didn’t give me a chance to fight for a place on the first team, so I came to FIU with the priority of getting drafted. I want to play in the MLS, I want to be a professional fútbol player.”
With Pachuca, he appeared in 36 games with their U20 team and scored 12 goals.
The only time Mustre would see first team experience was at the age of 17, subbing in at 78-minutes to make his debut against Club Necaxa.
Following his experience with Pachuca, he felt that the Panthers would provide him with the best opportunity for growth.
“It’s great to be here at FIU and be able to study and be a part of one of the best teams in the league.”
“I’m happy to be here, coming to FIU was something new for me and something that wasn’t in my plans six to ten months ago.”
Choosing FIU over several other clubs, Mustre added: “I had offers from LA F.C., Chiva in Mexico, Necaxa, Puebla and I chose to come here. I’ve talked to my family and told them I’m really happy. I think it was a good decision.”
As Mustre is enjoying his time in a new environment, adjusting to not only an unfamiliar team, but a foreign country still was not an easy task.
When asked about the adjustment, he said: “it was a big change for me and a big change for my life.”
Fortunately for him, through a found brotherhood with his teammates and a tight bond with his coaches, the transition was facilitated.
“I thought it was going to be more difficult, but all the coaches, teammates, and people here at FIU make it easier because they see us like family, like I am one of them. That helped me a lot to feel more comfortable.”
“On the field I can play as I know and off the field I can be friends with all of my teammates and be how I am, so that has been really good for me.”
Beyond just adjusting his lifestyle, Mustre still had to adjust to a new team and a new style of play.
“In Pachuca we played with high pressure, but the pressure we play with here is to another level. Sometimes the style, not from our team, but from other teams is different than it was in Mexico.”
Despite the difference, he ultimately enjoys and appreciates the experience for what it provides.
“It’s awesome to play against teams who play differently because you have to adapt yourself to different circumstances.”
Appreciating new situations, Mustre has flourished in playing a central role with the FIU, as he leads the team in multiple statistical categories.
Of all players who have taken seven or more shots this season, Mustre holds the highest shooting percentage on the team, at 19.2%.
Seizing his opportunity, individual statistics and getting drafted aren’t his only focus, as he has many goals related to the team’s success.
“The first goal is winning the conference, the conference tournament, and going to nationals. I know and I’m sure that we could be national champions.”
“It’s why we train how we do, we are preparing for that. We know that there are short-term goals before but our final goal is a national championship.”
Setting his sights on the ultimate prize, Mustre looks to lead the Panthers as far as they can go.
Moving into the second half of the season, he looks to continue his dominance throughout the rest of the year and lead the team to a championship.
Even though he has set an extremely high bar of expectations, he enjoys each step of the process and journey along the way of his career.
“I’m following my dream, I want to be a professional. I know that time will come, but now I’m preparing by studying, living, meeting new people and doing the thing that I love. I’m grateful for FIU, the coaches and everyone here.”
Finding more than an opportunity in a new place, Mustre found a second family at FIU.
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