Noah Rico | Contributing Writer
FIU will host Temple on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium, as October marks the final month of regular-season play.
In their last game, the Panthers came up short against top-ranked Portland. FIU played most of the night a man down after a red card to Pasquale Capriati in the 33rd minute and ultimately lost 2-1.
The Pilots came in fast and scored just a minute into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Eduardo Mustre tied the game in the 70th minute for FIU, but Portland scored again four minutes later to close out the win.
This loss drops FIU to 4-4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Making matters worse, the red card to Capriati means the Panthers will have to continue on to Friday’s matchup against Temple without their top scorer.
The Owls sit at 1-6-2 overall and 0-2 in the American Athletic Conference, making Friday a must-win for FIU.
The Panthers have faced Temple in the past, with the Owls taking the win. Even with Temple’s rough start this season, FIU can’t afford to take them lightly.
The Panthers opened conference play strong, but the loss in Portland makes a quick recovery necessary before a temporary setback turns into a slide.
A loss to Temple would deal a heavy blow to their conference standing and mark a low point after a promising start. Temple’s visit offers the chance to steady their momentum at home.
FIU is looking to get back to the conference finals and make it all the way to the NCAA tournament.
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