The FIU men's soccer team defeated the No. 10-ranked UCF Knights in a thrilling 4-3 victory behind three second half goals.
The match featured seven goals and four lead changes, with all second-half goals coming within a frenetic 15-minute span. The dramatic encounter saw FIU claim their first win of the 2024 season, with midfielder Diego Castillo's free-kick in the 65th minute sealing the game.
This victory marks the Panthers' 31st win in their rivalry with UCF and their first triumph over the Knights since a commanding 4-0 shutout on Aug. 26, 2021, in Orlando.
FIU struck first in the 18th minute when Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro capitalized on a long pass from Castillo to put the Panthers ahead. However, UCF quickly answered back, converting a penalty in the 20th minute and grabbing the lead a minute later, heading into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
To begin the second half in the 50th minute, Michael Appiah netted the equalizer with his second goal of the season, followed swiftly by junior Nicolas Villalobos, who scored his first goal of the year after an impressive run and assist from Joao Domingues.
UCF equalized once again in the 62nd minute with a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner. But Castillo's heroics from a free-kick just three minutes later ensured FIU would emerge victorious, handing the Knights their first loss of the season.
Both teams combined for 32 shots, with FIU dominating offensively, tallying 20 attempts and 12 shots on goal. FIU goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren, the nation's leader in saves per game, delivered a solid performance with five crucial saves.
Six Panthers played the full 90 minutes, including Diego Castillo, who led the team with both a goal and an assist. Additionally, freshman Adrian Ebersbach made his FIU debut, contributing 33 minutes off the bench.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Men's Soccer
| Away |
Home |
Result |
Location |
Links |
| UCF 3 |
FIU 4 |
Final |
Miami, Fla. |
Box Score |