FIU Men’s Soccer (2-2-1, Conf. 0-0) battled St. John’s University in a tightly contested match but ultimately fell 1–0 Sunday night. The loss keeps FIU in fifth place in the American Conference.
Both teams were held scoreless in the first half. The Panthers and Red Storm had multiple shot attempts, but neither side found the back of the net. FIU recorded five shots in the first half, while St. John had three.
There wouldn’t be any offense from either side until the Red Storm were awarded a penalty kick in the 59th minute. St. John’s converted the kick, taking a 1–0 advantage over FIU.
Nigel says nope 🧱 pic.twitter.com/FglUOihnWw
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) September 6, 2026
Despite the goal, the Panthers continued to push the pace in search of an equalizer. Jad Benjelloun, Sergio Perello, Martin Piedeleu and Santi Possu each recorded two shots as FIU tried to mount a comeback. The Panthers finished with 10 shots, with four on goal. Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren recorded three saves, matching his season high.
St. John’s recorded seven shots, with four on goal and one finding the back of the net. With the victory, the Red Storm evened the all-time series with FIU at 1–1.
What’s Next
The Panthers will now head to Springfield, Missouri, to begin conference play. They face Missouri State Friday night at 8 p.m. FIU faced the Bears twice last season, once during the regular season and again in the American Conference Tournament. The Panthers won both matchups. FIU will look to continue that success against a familiar conference opponent and pick up its first conference win of the season.
Following the conference matchup, FIU returns home Sept. 19 to host the Drake University Bulldogs at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.
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