Andrew Booth to represent University at the national level
“It’s always a great honor to have an opportunity to represent your country and I believe that Andrew will do very well,” said Scott Calabrese, head soccer coach at FIU.
“It’s always a great honor to have an opportunity to represent your country and I believe that Andrew will do very well,” said Scott Calabrese, head soccer coach at FIU.
The senior defender describes winning the championship as the best moment of his career, calling it the “best day of my life.” Of course things didn’t always look so bright for Lopez, whose collegiate soccer career did not necessarily start off as he planned.
The #16 men’s soccer team (12-7-1) was eliminated 3-2 in overtime by the University of Tulsa on Thursday, Nov. 19 in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
In addition to earning their first conference title since 2004, the victory guaranteed the Panthers’ a chance to compete for a national title in the NCAA tournament.
FIU dominated the contest in every offensive category besides goals. The Panthers attempted 21 shots to New Mexico’s five.
Senior, Daniel Gonzalez, and junior, Patrick Lopez, each scored goals within ten minutes of each other to rally their team from behind.
“The frustration came from that we like to be able to move the ball through the lines and play a certain style, and Charlotte does not permit you to play this style,” said Calabrese.
The high scoring effort, powered by four Panthers scoring different four goals and a Marshall own-goal, kept the Panthers perfect at home and in C-USA.
There is a lot on the line–not only bragging rights, but the possibility of starting a season with an impressive victory.
Sophomores Luca Giovine and Brad Fountain both scored in the second half to complete FIU’s second-straight comeback victory.