CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Florida Atlantic men’s soccer team claimed the program’s first American Conference Tournament championship Saturday, defeating in-state rival and No. 4 seed FIU 3-2 at Charlotte Soccer Field.
 
The victory earns the No. 2 seed Owls (12-3-2) the American's automatic qualifier for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.
 
The Owls’ offense was efficient, scoring two goals in the first half goals to take the early lead.
 
The Panthers jumped out to a lead in the third minute, as Nicolas Villalobo punched in the ball just feet away from the net.
 
Florida Atlantic tied the match in the 21st minute when forward Mamadou Diarra, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, found the back of the net. Just four minutes later, Ethan Schumaker gave the Owls a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
 
Diarra added a second goal in the 70^th minute to put the Owls up 3-1. FIU would add one goal in the 80^th minute off the foot of Diego Sanchez but were unable to get an equalizer.
 
Florida Atlantic will now await its opponent in the NCAA Tournament. The selection show will take place on Monday, November 17 at 7 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
 
 
2025 American Conference Men's Soccer Championship Schedule
First round at campus sites
Semifinals and final at home site of the No. 1 seed Charlotte
(all times Eastern)
 
First Round - Friday, November 7
Game 1 - No. 6 Tulsa 3, No. 3 South Florida 2 | Box Score
Game 2 – No. 4 FIU 1 , No. 5 Missouri State 0 | Box Score
 
Semifinals - Wednesday, November 12
Game 3 – No. 2 Florida Atlantic 3, No. 6 Tulsa 0 | Box Score
Game 4 – No. 4 FIU 0, No. 1 Charlotte 0 (FIU advances on PK’s 11-10) | Box Score
 
Championship Final - Saturday, November 15
Game 5 – No. 2 Florida Atlantic 3, No. 4 FIU 2 | Box Score
 
All-Tournament Team
Leo Stritter, Charlotte
Oliver Moller-Jensen, F, FAU
Fabrizio Cubeddu, D, FAU – Most Outstanding Defensive
Mamadou Diarra, F, FAU– Most Outstanding Offensive
Ethan Schumaker, M, FAU
Aboubacar Traore, F, FAU
Eduardo Mustre, F, FIU
Diego Sanchez, D, FIU
Owen Travis, D, FIU
Nicolas Villalobos, M, FIU
Arnau Pedrola Fortuny, Tulsa