The FIU men's soccer program downed the Central Arkansas Bears on the road in a 3-1 win Sunday night from the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.
The victory marks the Panthers second consecutive victory and their first road win of the season.
Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro sealed the win early, converting a penalty kick in the 9th minute to secure FIU's spot in the win column.
FIU set the tone immediately, with Michael Appiah finding the back of the net just 16 seconds into the game. The junior forward dribbled past a Central Arkansas defender and slotted the ball home with his left foot for his third goal of the season, continuing his strong form with goals in three of the past four matches.
The Bears responded in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick to level the score at 1-1. However, FIU wasted no time regaining the lead, as less than a minute later, Dos Santos Monteiro earned a penalty kick, confidently converting to put the Panthers back in front. The senior forward has now scored in back-to-back matches and leads the team in shots on goal.
FIU's defense held firm throughout the remainder of the first half, maintaining the one-goal lead.
The Panthers continued to apply pressure in the second half, and in the 71st minute, they found the insurance goal they needed. Dos Santos Monteiro delivered a well-placed pass to freshman Ron Arie, who blasted in a shot for his first collegiate goal, securing the 3-1 victory.
In total, both teams combined for 15 shots, with FIU taking eight, six of which were on target. Dos Santos Monteiro played a pivotal role with a goal and an assist, while junior midfielder David Boccuzzo added with his first assist of the season
Sophomore keeper Nigel Van Haveren recorded one save, bringing his season total to 34 – the most in the American Athletic Conference.