Noah Rico | Contributing writer
The FIU men’s soccer team steps into Friday’s rivalry clash with Florida Atlantic University in the middle of a three-game winning streak and aiming to continue conference play unbeaten.
The Panthers take on the Owls on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at FAU Soccer Stadium.
The Panthers’ latest victory came in a 1-0 battle against Missouri State, where forward Pasquale Capriati scored the game-winner.
Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren preserved the result with a clutch save in the final minutes to secure the win.
The late save ensured FIU walked away with their streak alive.
Capriati earned Offensive Player of the Week, Van Haveren claimed Goalkeeper of the Week, and Owen Travis secured a spot on the Weekly Honor Roll for their standout performances.
These results move FIU to 4-2-2 record and 2-0 within conference play, as the Panthers aim to maintain their momentum into one of their most anticipated matchups against the Owls.
FIU men’s soccer coach Kyle Russell framed Friday’s matchup as a chance to strengthen the team’s defensive focus.
“FAU is good, man. They’ve been tricky for us in the past, and there’s a little bit of a grudge match there,” Russell said to PantherNOW. “We’re going to have to be committed to defending because they’re a dangerous attacking team.”
The Panthers have been consistent in creating opportunities and scoring, but facing an attacking side like FAU will test FIU’s backline as the Owls have scored in five of their seven games.
This rivalry game will prove to be a high-stakes face-off since the Panthers have stumbled against the Owls in recent years. FIU has only won two of the previous five matchups between the two state rivals.
With extra time to prepare and momentum on their side, FIU travels to Boca Raton determined to extend its streak on rival ground.
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