Noah Rico | Contributing Writer
After securing a 1-0 win against No. 24 Charlotte on Senior Night, FIU Men’s Soccer heads North to face UAB in their final regular season match on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.
The Panthers enter the matchup with renewed confidence after earning conference recognition. Senior defender Owen Travis was named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, while goalkeeper Beltran Fernandez received an honorable mention.
Travis has been a steady leader on and off the field, delivering the game winning goal on Senior Night. Reflecting on his final season, Travis said to PantherNOW, “I can’t leave college without a ring, and I want a trophy to end off with,” reiterating the team’s desire to push past early setbacks and finish the season on a high-note.
After a three-game losing streak, the team’s mentality shifted. “They’re at a point in their season where they have to make a choice,” said head coach Kyle Russell. “Either they’re gonna feel sorry for themselves and be a victim and say, shoulda, woulda, coulda, or they’re gonna say, I still got a game to play, I still have training, I still have an opportunity.”
The team stepped onto the field determined to turn things around. After FIU took the lead, Team co-captain Eduardo Mustre continued to rally his teammates with a clear message, shouting, “Don’t get comfortable.” as they fought to maintain control.
FIU now turns its focus to UAB, aiming to close out the season on a win before the American Soccer Championship.
The two programs have an extensive history, with FIU dominating recent matchups and winning the last ten meetings against the Blazers.
Entering Wednesday’s contest, FIU holds a 6-7-2 overall record this season while UAB sits at a 4-7-2.
Panthers will look to close the regular season with a win and shift their focus to the postseason championship.
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