Noah Rico | Contributing Writer
After a 5-0 loss against Seton Hall on Tuesday, FIU men’s soccer returns to Leyva Family Field for a conference matchup against South Florida on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.
The trip to New Jersey marked the Panthers’ last non-conference game of the season. Seton Hall applied immediate pressure after the kickoff, striking three times in the opening half before finding the net two more times in the second.
Now 5-5-2 overall and 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference, the Panthers return to Miami to face an undefeated USF in a conference match.
The Bulls have a 6-0-5 overall record and 2-0-1 in conference play. Their defensive consistency has made them a difficult team to break down.
The Panthers aim to respond with sharper execution on offense and better control on the defensive end. Senior Nicolas Villalobos, midfielder Johan Arevalo, and forward Pasquale Capriati are expected to lead the attack and create opportunities.
Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren enters the match with 37 saves, while defenders Owen Travis and Leonardo Consoloni maintain structure in the back, leading the team in blocked shots.
Facing the Bulls’ back line will test the Panthers’ durability while maintaining possession and creating openings for their attackers. It’s an important match for FIU, earning a win would help maintain a strong position within conference play.
FIU and USF hold an even all-time record, each with 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties. The match could go either way, making it a key test for both sides as conference play continues.
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